Rita Finds Her Match
Rita Simons, celebrated for her memorable roles in EastEnders and Hollyoaks, has revealed her engagement to Ben Harlow. The actress, 47, shared the happy news with her fans and followers on Instagram, posting a picture with Harlow and her dazzling engagement ring. Her simple yet heartfelt caption, so this happened!” paired with ring emojis, said it all.
Simons, who portrayed the beloved Roxy Mitchell on EastEnders until her dramatic farewell in 2017, received an outpouring of congratulations from her fellow celebrities. Among the well-wishers were former X Factor star Fleur East, TV presenter Lisa Snowdon, and actress Claire Sweeney. Diane Parish, Simons’ former co-star on EastEnders, expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m thrilled for you both.”
Simons opened up about how she met her fiancé during an appearance on ITVBe’s Drama Queens. The two first crossed paths while working together on the stage musical Legally Blonde, where Simons played Paulette and Harlow portrayed the charming UPS delivery man. “He was my UPS guy—you know, the one that goes, ‘I’ve got a package,’” Simons said, laughing. Initially friends, their bond deepened over time. “A couple of years later, he asked me out on a date, and we’ve been together ever since.”
Beyond her love life, Simons continues to enjoy a dynamic career in entertainment. She appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2018, showcased her culinary skills on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021, and explored her spiritual side on BBC Two’s Pilgrimage in 2023. In 2024, she made her debut in Hollyoaks as Marie Fielding, adding yet another role to her illustrious resume.
This engagement marks a joyful new chapter for Simons, who was previously married to Theo Silveston. Her announcement has delighted fans and friends alike, with many eagerly celebrating her happiness.
With her engagement to Harlow and her continued success in the entertainment industry, Rita Simons has plenty to look forward to as she begins this exciting new phase of her life.
