Rita Simons: 'Sam Womack Enders exit like death'

Rita Simons has confessed that she is heartbroken over EastEnders co-star Samantha Womack's departure from the soap.

Womack announced in January that she would exit the soap later this year to pursue other projects.

Simons, who previously said that she was "dreading" the loss of her on-screen sister, told The Sun's Buzz that she has struggled to come to terms with Womack's final days on set.

"Sam's gone and it has ripped my heart out. It may sound strange, but it really does feel like a family member has died," Simons revealed.

However, Simons went on to reveal her hopes for Roxy's future character development, explaining that the rivalry caused by EastEnders' controversial baby swap plotline could propel her storyline forward.

"I want problems and proper fighting... I'd like her to have a long relationship," Simons explained. "There is great potential with her and Michael [Moon]. You can see it now - the Mitchells versus the Moons."