News

Dean Wicks is to attack Roxy Mitchell in 'EastEnders'. Matt Di Angelo - who plays Dean - is set to leave the BBC One soap and it's now been reported his departure will come after he attempts to rape girlfriend Roxy (Rita Simons) following his attack on his brother Mick Carter's partner Linda last year. The BBC are said to be developing the storyline - which will air in the next couple of months - with the help of the charity Rape Crisis. Viewers have already seen Dean display some disturbing behaviour towards Roxy when he cut off a massive chunk of her...

Declan Bennett has been axed from 'EastEnders'. The 34-year-old actor - who has played Dot Branning's grandson Charlie Cotton since early 2014 - is set to leave the BBC One soap after bosses reportedly decided to write out his character. An 'EastEnders' spokesperson told Digital Spy: ''We can confirm that Declan Bennett will be leaving 'EastEnders'. We wish him all the best for the future.'' Bennett is currently working on his final scenes and has been spotted shooting on-location at a train station. Charlie is joined by Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) and his son Matthew as he prepares to make a fresh start but...

Declan Bennett has been axed from 'EastEnders'. The 34-year-old actor - who has played Dot Branning's grandson Charlie Cotton since early 2014 - is set to leave the BBC One soap after bosses reportedly decided to write out his character. An 'EastEnders' spokesperson told Digital Spy: ''We can confirm that Declan Bennett will be leaving 'EastEnders'. We wish him all the best for the future.'' Bennett is currently working on his final scenes and has been spotted shooting on-location at a train station. Charlie is joined by Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) and his son Matthew as he prepares to make a fresh start but...

The EastEnders cast have been pictured rehearsing for their live dance special for this year's Children in Need appeal.

Stars from the BBC One soap will stage a special performance live from Albert Square featuring a range of styles from ballroom to Bollywood.

Picture gallery - EastEnders cast rehearse dance special:

Cast members including David Witts (Joey Branning), Jasmyn Banks (Alice Branning), Lorna Fitzgerald (Abi Branning) and Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell) will all feature in the dance routine.

Jls can be seen rehearsing for their Albert Square performance tonight too.

One Direction will also be hosting a 30-minute segment from the set of EastEnders.

Children in Need 2013 airs tonight (November 15) from 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC Two.

Digital Spy Soap Scoop video - press play below to watch Amie Parker-Williams reveal gossip on Jai's secret being exposed in Emmerdale, Kat and Alfie edging closer to a reunion in EastEnders,...

Samantha Womack and Rita Simons get through their dramatic 'EastEnders' storylines by being ''weird'' on set. The 40-year-old blonde - who has reprised her role as Ronnie Mitchell - and the 36-year-old star (Roxy Mitchell) spend the majority of their time laughing when they are filming scenes on the BBC One soap to ensure their ''serious'' storylines don't get them down. Samantha said: ''It's nice to go back and be weird. I shouldn't say weird really but we just laugh so much together. ''We always have funny phone calls. It's fair to say we have a proper sibling relationship going...

Samantha Womack and Rita Simons get through their dramatic 'EastEnders' storylines by being ''weird'' on set. The 40-year-old blonde - who has reprised her role as Ronnie Mitchell - and the 36-year-old star (Roxy Mitchell) spend the majority of their time laughing when they are filming scenes on the BBC One soap to ensure their ''serious'' storylines don't get them down. Samantha said: ''It's nice to go back and be weird. I shouldn't say weird really but we just laugh so much together. ''We always have funny phone calls. It's fair to say we have a proper sibling relationship going...

London, Sep 8: EastEnders actress Rita Simons has reportedly revealed that she has quit drinking, after getting fed up with excess consumption and coping with hangovers.

The 36-year old self-confessed former party girl admitted that for many years the lines between herself and her character Roxy Mitchell in the soap opera, who spends most of her time behind a bar, were blurred, but she has transformed now, the Mirror reported.

She added that she has "really changed" and has stopped drinking, except for an occasional glass of wine, as she doesn't like to be "out of control".

Simons confessed that she hasn't drunk.

EastEnders' Rita Simons wants to see Roxy Mitchell walk down the aisle in a ''massive dress''. The 36-year-old actress - who plays the feisty blonde in the BBC One soap opera - would like to see her alter-ego tie the knot to Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) in an over-the-top gown to make up for her trashy wedding to Sean Slater (Robert Kazinsky) in 2008. Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, Rita said: ''I would love to get a big wedding - I'm going to insist she has a massive dress! ''It's only fitting, since the last one she wore was a horrific...

EastEnders' Rita Simons wants to see Roxy Mitchell walk down the aisle in a ''massive dress''. The 36-year-old actress - who plays the feisty blonde in the BBC One soap opera - would like to see her alter-ego tie the knot to Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) in an over-the-top gown to make up for her trashy wedding to Sean Slater (Robert Kazinsky) in 2008. Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, Rita said: ''I would love to get a big wedding - I'm going to insist she has a massive dress! ''It's only fitting, since the last one she wore was a horrific...

Kat Moon faces more heartache in EastEnders tonight (January 31) as her estranged husband Alfie continues his attempts to move on quickly from their failed marriage. This evening's episode sees Alfie (Shane Richie) try to solidify his fresh start with new girlfriend Roxy Mitchell by swapping Kat's name for hers on the plaque above the door of the Queen Vic. Alfie manages to keep the plan well under wraps until the time comes to surprise Roxy (Rita Simons) with a grand unveiling of the plaque, which (more)...

EastEnders actress Rita Simons has spoken about the opposition to her choice to allow an operation to help her deaf daughter Maiya hear again. She and her husband Theo Silveston decided that the 6-year-old should have a cochlear implant to give her hearing in both ears. The 35-year-old actress, who plays Walford's Roxy Mitchell, claimed that she was branded an "abuser" by one member of the public. Reflecting on the "extraordinary" hostility towards the decision, Simons told Hello magazine: "It comes mainly from people who firmly believe deafness should be embraced rather than treated as a physical deficiency that should be corrected. "I totally respect (more)...

EastEnders star Steve John Shepherd has hinted that his character Michael Moon may be interested in reigniting his old spark with Roxy Mitchell. Next week's episodes see Roxy (Rita Simons) offer support to Michael following the sudden departure of his wife Janine. Although Roxy is only doing so as a friend, Michael's point of view on the situation is less clear. Shepherd told Inside Soap: "Michael's feeling completely out of his depth looking after baby Scarlett alone at this point. He hasn't had any prior experience with caring for young children, and has no natural instincts whatsoever. Roxy can see he's in trouble, and she steps in to help him out." (more)...

Roxy Mitchell's love life is likely to keep Walford gossiping in upcoming episodes of EastEnders. It's been revealed today (September 11) that Roxy (Rita Simons) will be getting passionate with Aj Ahmed towards the end of the month, after they bond over drinks at the Queen Vic. The pair get talking after Christian Clarke stands Roxy up at the pub, and it's not long before Aj (Phaldut Sharma) takes his admirer back to the Masood house and into his bedroom… At this early stage it's unclear whether this will stay as a one-off, or if either will want to see the other again. What we do know is that Roxy (more)...

EastEnders' Kat Moon receives a shock next week as she hears all about Roxy Mitchell's crush on Alfie. As Kat (Jessie Wallace) settles back into Albert Square life, her main concern is looking out for troubled Jean Slater following the news that she has been conned by Michael Moon. However, Kat's attention is eventually turned back to her personal life when meddling Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) lets her know how close Alfie and Roxy became in her absence. Keen for answers, Kat confronts Roxy (Rita Simons) in private and is stunned when the blonde blurts out everything, admitting that she did develop a small crush on Alfie (Shane Richie) while they were working together. Roxy is also forced to confess that she (more)...

Duncan James has divulged that he takes an interest in following EastEnders character Roxy Mitchell. Speaking to Inside Soap, the Blue singer revealed that he is close friends with Rita Simons, who plays the wild Roxy Mitchell in the Albert Square drama serial. James explained: ''I like to watch the show and see what they're doing with her character. Purely because Rita is one of my best friends." However, the 34-year-old admitted that he has a tendency of dipping in and out of the show. ''I (more)...

Duncan James only watches 'EastEnders' for his good friend Rita Simons. Rita - who plays feisty Roxy Mitchell in the East London soap - has been friends with Duncan for years and even performed as his back-up singer in 2006 before finding fame on TV, and he admits he likes to see what she is doing in the show. Duncan said: ''I like to watch the show and see what they're doing with her character. Purely because Rita is one of my best friends.'' However, Duncan does dip in and out f the soap regardless, finding he can pick it up quickly...

Roxy Mitchell gets her first hint that something is amiss with the Queen Vic's finances in Thursday's (May 31) EastEnders episode. The barmaid is confused when she reads a bank statement which reveals that £10,000 has been withdrawn from The Vic's account with no apparent explanation. Christian advises Roxy (Rita Simons) to stay out of it, already fearing that she is getting too involved in Alfie's life after she failed to correct a delivery man who called her "Mrs Moon". (more)...

EastEnders pub boss Alfie Moon tries to put local villain Derek Branning in his place in tonight's (April 17) episode of the soap. When Derek (Jamie Foreman) grabs Roxy as an argument breaks out at the Queen Vic, Alfie (Shane Richie) immediately defends the blonde by ordering Derek to get his hands off her. Roxy (Rita Simons) is thrilled that Alfie is acting as her knight in shining armour, but will she read more into this than she should? EastEnders continues tonight at 7.30pm (more)...

EastEnders star Rita Simons has said that her character Roxy can't help but fall in love with Alfie (Shane Richie). Roxy has developed feelings for Alfie in recent episodes, but the actress thinks Roxy is fooling herself to believe Alfie loves her. "She's in love with Alfie and it's sad - she's obviously had a personality transplant and developed a conscience because she knows it's wrong and he's married. With Max, she just went for it, it was a game, an ego thing. But she cares for Alfie and she can't help but be in love with him," she told the Sunday Mirror. "She'll fish for compliments (more)...

EastEnders star Rita Simons has admitted that she doesn't want her character Roxy Mitchell to have an affair with Alfie Moon for the time being. Roxy has developed strong feelings for Alfie (Shane Richie) in recent weeks as they have been working closely together at the Queen Vic. Next week's episodes see Roxy tell Alfie that she's in love with him, leaving viewers to wonder whether the pub boss will stay faithful to wife Kat. Simons told All About Soap of the aftermath: "Roxy knows it can't happen, but she can't help being in love with him. She leaves The Vic and says she just can't work there any longer. She just decides she has to leave because he goes on and on about Kat. It's too much for her." Asked whether she wants Alfie and Roxy to have a full-blown affair, the actress replied: "At this point, (more)...

EastEnders' Alfie Moon is in for a shock next week as Roxy Mitchell confesses her feelings for him. Roxy (Rita Simons) has fallen for Alfie (Shane Richie) while working alongside him at The Vic in recent weeks, and the story will soon come to a head as she struggles to keep a lid on her secret crush. Next week's episodes see Alfie come to Roxy's defence when she is involved in an argument at the pub. Roxy is delighted that he's acting as her knight in shining armour, which doesn't go unnoticed by Christian Clarke (John Partridge) or Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman). Christian addresses the subject head-on with his best friend, asking her when she's going to tell Alfie that she loves him. Derek, meanwhile, decides to cause some mischief by letting Roxy believe that Alfie is in serious danger. The bad boy launches his plan (more)...

EastEnders star Shane Richie has said that he wants his character Alfie Moon to stay faithful to wife Kat. Alfie has been tipped to face temptation in the coming weeks, as lonely Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) realises that she's falling in love with him. The pair are currently working together at the Queen Vic while Kat (Jessie Wallace) is away looking after her dad Charlie, who has suffered a stroke. However, Richie told All About Soap: "As far as Alfie's concerned, he's a happily married man. He can see that Roxy is flirting with him, but he just thinks she's being friendly. They've got a great friendship and enjoy some good banter together, but Alfie banters with half of Albert Square." Asked whether Alfie is capable of being unfaithful, the actor replied: "I hope not. Alfie's got very strong morals and (more)...

EastEnders' Jean Slater admits that she could be a crucial witness in the case of Heather Trott's murder in tonight's (March 27) episode of the soap. Jean (Gillian Wright) is shocked when she reads a damning newspaper report which paints Andrew (Ricky Grover) as the guilty party - and expresses her belief that he's completely innocent. Quizzed by Alfie (Shane Richie) and Roxy (Rita Simons), Jean explains that she saw Andrew at the tube station around (more)...

EastEnders' Roxy Mitchell starts to see Alfie Moon as her ideal man as the pair's close friendship continues next week. Roxy (Rita Simons) comes to the shocking realisation that she's in love with Alfie (Shane Richie) when the Queen Vic landlord helps her through an emotional day in an upcoming episode. The latest romance twist begins when Roxy becomes an unexpected arrival at Albert Square's reinstated girls-only book club at Tanya's house, where she causes a stir by putting her foot in it. When Roxy comments on how Tanya's illness adversely affected her relationship with Max, shrewd Cora (Ann Mitchell) immediately becomes suspicious - wondering how the blonde would know about this. Later, Cora confronts Roxy and Max (Jake Wood) - determined to find out whether her daughter has been (more)...

EastEnders' Jean Slater sparks a Queen Vic showdown next week after organising a Heather Trott tribute evening at the pub. The story begins as Jean (Gillian Wright) is left distraught when Alfie (Shane Richie) suddenly sacks her, in desperate need of a way to cut costs. However, Alfie is startled by how upset Jean gets and quickly re-hires her as Events Manager. Embracing her new title, Jean decides to host an '80s-themed party at the pub in memory of Heather - wanting to reflect the Walford favourite's fun side. Although Alfie and Roxy (Rita Simons) warn that the event should be kept low-key to avoid upsetting Shirley, Jean is determined to do things her way and starts creating promotional flyers. When the big day arrives, a number of local residents are in attendance to celebrate Heather's life. However, Shirley (Linda Henry) turns (more)...

EastEnders star Rita Simons has opened up about her daughter's deafness. The actress, who plays Roxy Mitchell in the soap, said that 5-year-old Maiya will eventually lose her hearing entirely after being diagnosed as deaf at six months. Her twin sister Jaimee has perfect hearing. Simons told The Sun: "Because there's a chance of her losing her hearing tomorrow, we do feel like we're walking a tightrope which we could fall off at any given moment. "I haven't at any point said to her, 'It's very likely you're going to lose all your hearing'. It's my job to manage it and work out how we're going to cope and when the time is right, then I would tell her. "I want to look at all the options out there. Each route is so different from the other. Exploring all of them, and having an understanding of each option, (more)...

EastEnders star Rita Simons has opened up about her daughter's deafness. The actress, who plays Roxy Mitchell in the soap, said that 5-year-old Maiya will eventually lose her hearing entirely after being diagnosed as deaf at six months. Her twin sister Jaimee has perfect hearing. Simons told The Sun: "Because there's a chance of her losing her hearing tomorrow, we do feel like we're walking a tightrope which we could fall off at any given moment. "I haven't at any point said to her, 'It's very likely you're going to lose all your hearing'. It's my job to manage it and work out how we're going to cope and when the time is right, then I would tell her. "I want to look at all the options out there. Each route is so different from the other. Exploring all of them, and having an understanding of each option, (more)...

Rita Simons was devastated to learn on camera that her daughter's hearing will eventually be completely lost. The 'EastEnders' actress explores Maiya's condition with her husband Theo Silverston in new documentary 'Rita Simons: My Daughter, Deafness and Me' and the couple were agonised to discover the five-year-old youngster - who has no hearing in her left ear and can only hear very loud sounds in her right without hearing aids - will experience deterioration. She said: ''I haven't at any point said to her, It's very likely you're going to lose all your hearing.' ''It's my job to manage it and work out...

EastEnders' Branning family receive heartwarming news next week as Tanya gets the all-clear following her cancer battle. Tanya (Jo Joyner) can't help but feel apprehensive as she heads to the hospital for her all-important Mri scan in next Monday's (March 12) episode. Although she has Max (Jake Wood) by her side, the mum-of-three wonders whether her wayward partner would really stand by her if the news turned out to be bad. Max, meanwhile, feels guilt-ridden as he receives a phone call from flirtatious Roxy (Rita Simons) while waiting for the radiographer to call Tanya in. Deciding to stay loyal to Tanya, he texts Roxy back and calls off plans for a secret rendezvous with her. The next day, it's the moment of truth for Tanya as she heads back to the hospital to hear the results of the Mri scan. Fortunately, there's excellent news (more)...

EastEnders star Rita Simons has confessed that she hates kissing co-star Scott Maslen. The actress, who plays Roxy Mitchell in the BBC One soap, revealed that she sees Maslen - Roxy's on-off lover Jack Branning - as a brother, meaning intimate scenes can be uncomfortable. "Scott's like my big brother and I absolutely freak out every time I have to kiss him. The director says, 'Action!' and we kiss, and then when he says, 'Cut!' we both hit and punch each other and he pushes me off him and I push him off me. We're like a pair of three-year-olds," Simons told the Sunday MIrror. Roxy had a one-night stand with Jack two-and-a-half years ago behind sister Ronnie's (Samantha ­Womack) back, resulting in the birth of daughter Amy. The pair rekindled (more)...

EastEnders star Jake Wood has predicted that his wayward character Max Branning will ultimately stand by his partner Tanya whatever the future holds for them. Max has recently enjoyed flirting with Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) as he is frustrated over the lack of passion in his relationship with Tanya, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer last summer. However, Max's attention will soon be diverted back to Tanya as she prepares for an important Mri scan, which will reveal whether her treatment has been successful. Wood told All About Soap: "It's a life-changing moment for all the family, and it's affecting them in different ways. Lauren's drinking more, and Max and Tanya are tiptoeing around each other. Max misses the old Tanya and is praying the scan's clear so they can get back to some sort of normality. "He promised Tanya (more)...

EastEnders pub boss Alfie Moon will face temptation as Roxy Mitchell reveals that she has feelings for him in a forthcoming storyline. The pair's friendship will grow stronger in the coming weeks as Roxy (Rita Simons) continues to work at the Queen Vic while Alfie's wife Kat is away. However, the situation gets complicated as a lonely Roxy realises that she may be falling for Alfie (Shane Richie) and makes her feelings clear. An EastEnders insider told Digital Spy today: "Alfie adores Kat and when Roxy comes onto him, he is shocked as he thought they were just good mates. "Over (more)...

EastEnders villain Derek Branning is forced to face the music over his plans to hurt Roxy in tonight's (February 24) episode of the soap. Roxy (Rita Simons) had a lucky escape last night when Derek's hitman refused to go ahead with his assignment, but Shirley decides to stir up trouble this evening by falsely telling Jack (Scott Maslen) that the blonde is missing. Jack is left panicked as he wonders what could have happened to Roxy, and his anger grows as (more)...

EastEnders' Max Branning reaffirms his commitment to partner Tanya Jessop next week - but not before he has found himself tempted by flirtatious Roxy Mitchell. Max's (Jake Wood) relationship with Tanya (Jo Joyner) enters a rocky patch in upcoming episodes as he grows frustrated over no longer having a physical relationship with her. Just as the effects of Tanya's cancer seem to be coming between the couple, a lonely Roxy (Rita Simons) enters into the mix as she makes it clear that she's interested in Max. Max rejects Roxy's advances as she tries to flirt with him on a number of occasions, but when he brands her a "game-playing tease", it seems that he may be enjoying the attention. Viewers will see that Max is hugely tempted by Roxy, and as he starts to respond to her flirtatious games, it seems that he could be on a slippery (more...

EastEnders star Scott Maslen has teased details of his character Jack Branning's clash with evil brother Derek. Next week, dastardly Derek (Jamie Foreman) hires a hitman to terrorise Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons), the mother of Jack's young daughter Amy - hoping to frighten her following their recent clashes. Maslen told Inside Soap: "Jack's absolutely sickened when he discovers what Derek is planning. "Jack may have used underhand tactics in the past to try and get custody of Amy, but this is taking things much too far. Jack would never forgive himself if anything bad happened to Roxy." He elaborated: "The first (more)...

EastEnders' Derek Branning hires a hitman to kill Roxy Mitchell. The Walford villain - played by Jamie Foreman - is desperate to make the brassy blonde pay for getting custody of daughter Amy over his brother Jack (Scott Maslen), but the former policeman is horrified when he realises what his sibling is up to. Scott said: 'Jack's absolutely sickened when he discovers what Derek is planning. 'Jack may have used underhand tactics in the past to try and get custody of Amy, but this is taking things much too far. Jack would never forgive himself if anything bad happened to Roxy.' Jack warns Derek to back off, but when he learns Roxy (Rita Simons) is trying to interfere with the...

EastEnders' Max Branning and Roxy Mitchell look set to enjoy a steamy affair. While the blonde barmaid - played by Rita Simons - has a daughter, Amy, with Max's brother Jack (Scott Maslen), she soon will have her sights set on romance with the flame-haired businessman, and sets out to seduce him. Although Max's wife Tanya is currently battling cancer, Jo Joyner - who portrays the stressed-out mum in the BBC One soap - believes her love rat on-screen husband could be set to play away, as he is always so driven by sex. She told Soaplife magazine: "Their relationship has always...

EastEnders' Jack Branning has an angry showdown with his older brother Derek later this month after hearing that Roxy has gone missing. Tension between the Brannings and the Mitchells has been at fever pitch in recent weeks, so when Jack hears that nobody knows where Roxy (Rita Simons) is, he worries that Derek could have something to do with it. Full of rage, Jack (Scott Maslen) immediately confronts bad boy Derek (Jamie Foreman) - pushing him up against the wall and launching into a rant. Jack tells Derek that, despite his (more)...

EastEnders star Rita Simons has insisted that she would never let her character Roxy Mitchell betray sister Ronnie by stealing her husband. Roxy has a shock night of passion with Ronnie's estranged husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) next week in the run up to the pair's fight for custody of their daughter Amy. "Ronnie (Samantha Womack) has filed for divorce from Jack, so I have to believe that she doesn't love him any more. If I didn't think that, I wouldn't be able to play out the storyline," Simons told Inside Soap magazine. "It's Jack who persuades Roxy to stay and I'm sure (more)...

EastEnders star Steve John Shepherd has explained why his character Michael Moon is starting to turn against Jack Branning. Fans of the soap have seen a rocky friendship for the pair over the past few months, which continues next week when Michael starts to interfere in Jack's custody battle with Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons). As first reported a few days ago, Michael will soon discover that Jack (Scott Maslen) has forged Roxy's signature on a passport application for the pair's daughter Amy. He then shares the evidence with Roxy to help her case. Shepherd, asked whether Michael is worried about betraying Jack, told All About Soap: "No, as Michael doesn't like Jack's attitude towards Derek. Derek has come in and assumed the role as head of the Branning family. He's bossing everyone around and he's committing all sorts (more)...

EastEnders' Roxy Mitchell finds herself backing down in the battle to win back custody of Amy in tonight's episode of the soap. Roxy (Rita Simons) feels intimidated following her confrontation with Derek (Jamie Foreman) and decides against bringing up his violent past in court, but when she meets with her solicitor, it soon becomes clear that they don't have an angle for the case. At the same time, Billy (Perry Fenwick) has custody issues of his own to deal with following (more)...

EastEnders' Roxy Mitchell considers fighting dirty in her attempts to win daughter Amy back in tonight's episode of the soap. When Roxy (Rita Simons) meets her solicitor, he tells her that they need to discredit Jack and the Brannings if they're to have any hope of beating them in the custody case. Roxy fears that she doesn't have anything damning enough, but she is later intrigued when she spots Derek behaving menacingly towards Pat (Pam St Clement) on the Square. Heading over (more)...

EastEnders' Roxy Mitchell comes out fighting for her best friend Christian Clarke as news of Ben's shocking allegation spreads in Thursday night's episode. When Roxy (Rita Simons) hears that Ben is accusing Christian of molesting him, she knows immediately that it isn't true and confronts the lying teen. Ben (Joshua Pascoe) persists with his twisted antics by continuing to accuse Christian, but Roxy urges him to tell Phil (more)...

EastEnders star Rita Simons has revealed that she is keen to explore more "traumatic" times for her character Roxy Mitchell. The actress explained that she is currently enjoying the chance to be at the centre of a serious storyline on the BBC soap. Roxy was recently left devastated when her daughter Amy was taken away from her following an accident in the home. Amy's father Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) was given custody of her on a temporary basis, while Roxy has since lost her flat after being evicted by Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). Meanwhile, Simons's on-screen sister Samantha Womack left EastEnders earlier this year following a number of emotional (more)...

EastEnders' Roxy Mitchell is left devastated as her parenting comes under close scrutiny in tonight's episode of the soap. Roxy (Rita Simons) receives a shock as she wakes up following her night on the town and discovers that Amy is in hospital. She then rushes straight there and finds herself in a confrontation with Jack as the blame game begins. When it emerges that Amy has a fracture which is unrelated to last night's incident with Ben and Jay, alarm bells start ringing for social services and Roxy faces some tough questions. In the end, Jack (Scott Maslen) (more)...

EastEnders' Janine Butcher is to wage war on the Mitchell family in Walford's "bloodiest feud yet". The scheming temptress - played by Charlie Brooks - quickly finds herself at odds with the entire Mitchell gang when she cruelly evicts Roxy (Rita Simons) from her flat just days after she loses custody of her daughter when the authorities deem her an unfit mother. An insider said: "Phil (Steve McFadden) gets wind of what's going on and decides to lay the law down to Janine. He gives her a real mouthful, but Janine stands up to him. Then her boyfriend Michael (John Shepherd) wades...

EastEnders' Janine Butcher is to wage war on the Mitchell family in Walford's "bloodiest feud yet". The scheming temptress - played by Charlie Brooks - quickly finds herself at odds with the entire Mitchell gang when she cruelly evicts Roxy (Rita Simons) from her flat just days after she loses custody of her daughter when the authorities deem her an unfit mother. An insider said: "Phil (Steve McFadden) gets wind of what's going on and decides to lay the law down to Janine. He gives her a real mouthful, but Janine stands up to him. Then her boyfriend Michael (John Shepherd) wades...

EastEnders' Michael Moon and Phil Mitchell go head-to-head again next week as they clash over Janine and Roxy. When Roxy (Rita Simons) has Amy taken away from her as social services believe she is neglecting the youngster, Janine is quick to find a way to turn the situation to her own advantage. Keen to evict Roxy as she hasn't paid the rent, Janine (Charlie Brooks) believes that she won't receive any backlash over kicking her out now that she doesn't have her daughter living with her. With that in mind, she throws Roxy's belongings out on the Square and starts making preparations for a new tenant. When Phil (Steve McFadden) discovers what is going on, he rushes to defend Roxy and threatens Janine - ordering her to leave the flat or else. However, Janine remains defiant and Michael soon arrives to back (more)...

EastEnders star Nina Wadia has revealed that she would love her character Zainab Masood to develop more female friendships on Albert Square. The actress admitted that she is eager to see Zainab interact with characters like Roxy Mitchell, Shirley Carter and Carol Jackson. Wadia told Inside Soap: "I'd love to work more with the likes of Rita Simons, Linda Henry and Lindsey Coulson. It would be really cool to do more book club scenes with the women of Walford. "It's interesting, because no matter how different we are as actresses, we always bond." Wadia said that she also holds out hope that Zainab's daughter Shabnam, played by Zahra Ahmadi, could return to the soap in the future. "I'm still hoping that (more)...

EastEnders star Rita Simons has defended her character Roxy Mitchell, insisting that she does not deserve to be branded an unfit mother in her forthcoming storyline. Roxy is left devastated next week as Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) gets temporary residency of their daughter Amy after the youngster has an accident, almost drowning while trying to run a bath for one of her dolls. The incident occurs when Ben (Joshua Pascoe) offers to babysit Amy but leaves her alone for a few minutes. Amy also has an injury to her arm from a previous fall, which sparks concern among social services as her home life comes under scrutiny. Simons told All About Soap: "It turns out Amy had a fall earlier in the week. Roxy thought she was fine at the time, but the social worker sees that, coupled with this incident, (more)...