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Rita Simons is preparing to exit Hollyoaks, bringing her turbulent 18-month run to a close.
The former EastEnders actress joined the Channel 4 soap in early 2024 as Marie, the estranged ex of gangster Warren Fox and the long-lost mother of Joel Dexter. From the moment she arrived in the village, Rita’s character injected fresh emotional energy and grit into the show, tackling complex family tensions, hidden secrets, and high-stakes crime.
Over the past year and a half, fans have seen Marie battle with her shady past and try desperately to reconcile with her sons Abe and Arlo, both of whom are deeply embedded in criminal activity. The storylines have been intense, often heart-wrenching, and undeniably gripping.
But now, Simons has confirmed that her time in Hollyoaks is coming to an end, and viewers can expect a major send-off.
“Rita has absolutely loved every second of her time at Hollyoaks and it wasn’t an easy decision,” a source close to the production told us.
“She moved her entire life to Liverpool two years ago to throw herself into the show, and it’s been a great adventure. But the pull of home is just too much. London has been calling her and it’s proved difficult to balance a job she loves with her life back in the capital.”
Although an exact airdate for her final scenes has not yet been revealed, producers are reportedly planning a dramatic and emotional storyline to wrap up Marie’s time in Chester, something worthy of Rita’s powerful performances.
Rita Simons is set to leave Hollyoaks after two year - Credit: Lime Pictures
Simons, who became a household name playing Roxy Mitchell on EastEnders, brought a familiar presence to Hollyoaks fans and quickly became a favourite among viewers. Her performance as a tough, complicated, but ultimately vulnerable mother resonated with fans old and new.
As she prepares to return to London, fans are already speculating about what’s next, will she return to stage work, TV drama, or something entirely unexpected?
