Rita Simons upset about Samantha Womack 'Enders exit

Rita Simons wishes Samantha Womack wasn't leaving 'EastEnders'.

The 33-year-old actress - who plays outspoken Roxy Mitchell in the BBC One soap - insists she will stay friends with her on-screen sister because they are as close as family in real life.

She said: "I love shooting with Sam as we're so close - we're like real sisters. I wish she wasn't going as she's my best friend on set but, at the same time, I know we'll stay in touch and she'll be a friend for life.

"I have no doubt that Sam will do amazingly well."

Rita also revealed she loves getting to wear cheap trashy clothes on the soap, and can't resist buying new outfits for her alter ego.

She added: "The worse the better. I just go for it with Roxy because she's mutton. She thinks she's Avril Lavigne when she could be her mother.

"If I see something hideously lairy when I'm out shopping - something cheap, leopard print and pink - I'll buy it."