Rita Simons: "I'm doing it for the MILFs"

EastEnders star Rita Simons has admitted that she feels "flattered" to be nominated for 'Sexiest Female' at this year's British Soap Awards.

The actress, who plays Roxy Mitchell in the BBC One soap, has five-year-old twin girls Jaimee and Maiya with husband Theo Silverston.

She confessed that she feels "chuffed" to be in the category with Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre, Coronation Street), Alison King (Carla Connor, Coronation Street) and Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes McQueen, Hollyoaks).

She told the Daily Star Sunday: "Obviously I'm really flattered to be up for Sexiest Female as it's a real compliment but I really don't think I'll be walking away with that one.

"I'm doing it for all the MILFs out there and am feeling rather chuffed to be on the shortlist - shocked but chuffed."

Speaking of co-star Samantha Womack's exit, she added: "It's horrific. I can't even look at Sam at the moment without bursting into tears.

"We've already started filming the beginning of the end for Ronnie and Roxy. I was sobbing uncontrollably. It's so stupid but we can't stop crying."

> Read our interview with Rita Simons.