'Enders Simons hails Janus influence

Rita Simons has hailed Samantha Janus as a factor in her success on EastEnders.

The actress, who plays Roxy Slater in the BBC soap, thanked her co-star after winning the Best Newcomer prize at this year's National Television Awards.

"In all honesty, I would not have won the award if it wasn't for Sam. She has got a lot more experience than I have and taught me so much," she told the Daily Star.

"We have become incredibly close over the last year and I owe her a big thank you."