Rita Simons: 'Windsor leaving is a blow'

EastEnders star Rita Simons has described Barbara Windsor's decision to leave the soap as "a real blow".

The 32-year-old actress, who plays barmaid Roxy Mitchell on the Walford drama, confirmed that she is backing Windsor's choice despite her disappointment.

Speaking to Inside Soap, Simons commented: "I'm not over Larry Lamb (Archie Mitchell) leaving, so it was a real blow. For me, Barbara is the show and it'll be very strange when she goes.

"I'd hate to see Peggy die a gruesome death, so hopefully she'll go with the door left open - then if she ever wants to come back, she can."

She added: "It hasn't sunk in that Barbara's leaving because we've been working together so much. But it's her decision and whatever she wants to do, we'll all support her."

Windsor announced last month that she is to bow out from her role as Mitchell matriarch Peggy next year. She made the choice because she wants to spend more time with her husband Scott.