Who is Rita Simons? I'm a Celebrity and EastEnders star's age, husband, and famous family revealed

18 November 2018, 18:46 | Updated: 29 December 2018, 18:51

Rita Simons
Picture: ITV

By Tom Eames

Rita Simons was one of the biggest soap stars for over a decade thanks to playing Roxy in EastEnders.

The actress also appeared in the 2018 series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, but what are her biggest roles and who is she related to?

Here's all you need to know about Rita Simons:

  1. Who is Rita Simons?

    Rita Simons Reveal Interview! | I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

    Rita Simons is an English actress, singer, and model from London, who is best known for playing Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders from 2007 to 2017, when her character was killed off.

    For her performance on the show, Rita received many awards, including the 2008 National Television Award for 'Most Popular Newcomer'.

    Her biggest storylines usually featured her onscreen sister Ronnie, played by Samantha Womack.

  2. Rita Simons age: How old is she?

    Rita was born on March 10, 1977. She celebrated her 41st birthday in 2018.

  3. Rita Simons family: Who is her famous uncle?

    Rita was born to Susan (née Franks) and Mark Simons. Both of her parents are Jewish. She also has an older brother, Ben.

    Through her paternal aunt's marriage, Rita is the niece of Billionaire businessman Lord Alan Sugar, best known for his role in The Apprentice.

  4. Rita Simons husband and children: How big is her family?

    View this post on Instagram

    Me and the old man @theosilv #jacob13

    A post shared by Rita Simons (@rita_simonsofficial) on

    In August 2006, Rita married hairdresser Theo Silveston, whom she met through a friend when she was 19.

    The couple have twin daughters together: Jaimee Leah and Maiya Sammy.

  5. What band was she in?

    Girls@Play - Respectable

    Before her acting career, Rita was in the girl band Girls@Play, who had a couple of hit singles before splitting up.

    Their songs included 'Airhead' and a cover of Mel and Kim's 'Respectable'

    Rita then joined a different group called Charli, with three other members.