'EastEnders' star Rita Simons wants Roxy 'trauma'

EastEnders star Rita Simons has revealed that she is keen to explore more "traumatic" times for her character Roxy Mitchell.

The actress explained that she is currently enjoying the chance to be at the centre of a serious storyline on the BBC soap.

Roxy was recently left devastated when her daughter Amy was taken away from her following an accident in the home. Amy's father Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) was given custody of her on a temporary basis, while Roxy has since lost her flat after being evicted by Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks).

Meanwhile, Simons's on-screen sister Samantha Womack left EastEnders earlier this year following a number of emotional plotlines in the role of Ronnie Branning, including the controversial baby swap story.

Simons told the Daily Express: "That's not the reason why Samantha left the show, but she needed a break from Ronnie as it was hard for her to come in every day and cry and scream, dealing with death and rape.

"I didn't have it as bad as her - I get to play a drunk slapper!"

She added: "I'm getting my fair bit of trauma now but I love it. Pile the trauma on me."

EastEnders continues tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One.

> EastEnders' Rita Simons: 'Jack is hypocritical in Amy plot'
> Read more EastEnders spoilers and news