Rita Simons to Leave Hollyoaks This Autumn

Rita Simons, best known for her role as Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, has confirmed she is leaving Hollyoaks after joining the Channel 4 soap in early 2024 as Marie Fielding. Simons cited the challenge of balancing her work in Liverpool with her life in London as a reason for her departure, describing her time on the show as healing and transformative. Her character has been central to several major storylines involving her troubled sons, with Simons promising more drama before her exit in autumn. Hollyoaks producers have planned a dramatic exit for Marie Fielding, with final scenes airing ahead of the show's 30th anniversary in October. The show's executive producer has teased a landmark celebration featuring a major stunt and a high-profile clash between returning characters Clare Devine and Jez Blake. Producers have stated that the door remains open for Simons's potential return in the future.