…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Rita Simons will reprise her role as Roxy Mitchell in an upcoming episode of EastEnders.
Roxy, who died on the show alongside her sister Ronnie in 2017, will appear as “a figment of her daughter Amy Mitchell’s imagination” in the BBC soap opera this week.
Simons, who played the feisty member of the Mitchell family, earned a most popular newcomer gong at the National Television Awards in 2008.
She previously reprised the role of Roxy in a voiceover cameo in May 2019.
Roxy’s Return in the Context of the Show’s Current Plot
On EastEnders, the breakdown of Amy’s father Jack Branning’s marriage to Denise Fox has caused confrontations in the family.
This has hit boiling point in Thursday’s episode as Amy’s mental health struggles have increased. The family attends a group therapy session, where the teenager is encouraged to open up about her emotions surrounding the loss of her mother.
Amy, played by Ellie Dadd, will then be seen zoning out before Roxy appears in what the BBC has described as “a figment of her imagination”.
Executive Producer’s Statement on Rita’s Return
Executive producer at EastEnders, Chris Clenshaw, expressed his excitement at welcoming Rita Simons back to the iconic role of Roxy Mitchell for the special scenes.
Although the character was last seen on-screen in January 2017, Roxy still remains a fan favourite.
Clenshaw stated that he believes audiences will be thrilled to see her return, as Amy seeks some all-important answers from her mum at this point in the storyline.
Commentary:
The return of Rita Simons as Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders is a surprise to many fans of the long-running soap opera.
The character’s death in 2017 left a significant impact on the show and its viewers.
However, her appearance as a figment of her daughter’s imagination offers an interesting twist to the storyline.
The show’s focus on mental health struggles is an important and timely issue that adds depth to the plot.
Rita Simons’ previous work as Roxy has made her a beloved character among fans, and her return will undoubtedly generate excitement.