Samantha Womack wants quiet departure

Samantha Womack wants to "creep out" of 'Eastenders' quietly.

The 38-year-old actress - whose alter-ego Ronnie Branning was involved in the BBC One soap's controversial baby swap storyline - says although she will be sorry to say goodbye to her co-stars she doesn't want her departure to be made into a "big deal."

Talking of her modest plans to celebrate, the blonde beauty admitted she doesn't want a big party and said she will miss Rita Simons, who plays Roxy Mitchell, the most.

Samantha said: "I think I just want to creep out at the EastEnders' leaving party, I don't want a big deal.

"I will be saying goodbye to a lot of very close friends. I'll be telling them that I love them all dearly. I'll definitely miss Rita Simons the most."

The star also revealed how excited she is to be moving from screen to stage in 'South Pacific' - but is worried that she's not in good enough shape for the all-singing, all-dancing role.

She told the Sunday Mirror: "I'll be going into South Pacific playing Nellie Forbush and rehearsals start soon. I need to stop eating and get my a*** into shape. My trick at the minute is to wear padded pointy shoulders as it cancels the rest of your body out.

"I can't wait to get my dancing shoes on as it's five years since I was last on stage, in 'Guys and Dolls.' "