Rita Joanne Simons is an English actress, singer, and model. She is currently known for playing the role of Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders.
She has made appearances in the British television shows Mile High, Dream Team and London's Burning.
Before her acting career, Rita was in the band Girls@Play, who had a couple of songs before splitting up. Their songs included Airhead and they covered Mel and Kim's "Respectable". She was also in a different group with three other members, including Shar from The Paradiso Girls, and released a single titled "Free Me".
Her portrayal of Roxy Mitchell won her Best Newcomer at the Digital Spy Soap Awards along with Best Onscreen Partnership for her character partnership with Ronnie Mitchell played by Samantha Womack. She also won Best Newcomer at the TV Now awards and was nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2008 British Soap Awards, but lost to Coronation Street's Michelle Keegan. She also won the award for Best Newcomer at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and won the award for Most Popular Newcomer at National Television Awards 2008.
