Former EastEnders actress Rita Simons is said to have found love with a colleague, just weeks after announcing she had split from her husband Theo Silverston.
Reports claim that the actress, who became a household name playing party-loving Roxy Mitchell on the BBC soap, is now dating her Legally Blonde: The Musical co-star, Ben Harlow.
Simons, 43, played Paulette Bonafonte in the West End hit, an adaptation of the 2001 film, while Ben played her love interest, Kyle.
It’s said that their on-stage romance has transferred to real-life after they spent nine months together, according to reports by The Sun.
Rita is said to have found love with co-star Ben Harlow (Image: Loughborough Echo)
The outlet claims that Rita was seen out and about with an overnight bag heading for a trip with her new beau and her dog, Harry.
Rita and Ben were spotted at a motorway service station stocking up before hitting the road again.
Their romance comes after a spokesperson for Rita confirmed that her marriage to hairdresser Theo Silverston was over, 14-years after they said their vows.
Rita had been married to husband Theo for 14 years (Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
Rita, who shares two daughters with Theo, is currently in the final stages of their divorce proceedings.
Confirming the end of their marriage, a statement on behalf of the actress said: “Rita and Theo have been separated for almost two years and Theo moved out of the family home some time ago.
“They are currently finalising their divorce, and amicably co-parenting their two daughters.”
Rita shot to fame alongside Samantha Womack in EastEnders (Image: PA)
It was said that the former spouses had simply “grown apart”, though the news still surprised fans when it was announced.
Rita’s former on-screen sister Samantha Womack, who played Ronnie Mitchell, also revealed she had separated from her husband this month.
Despite claiming Mark Womack was her “soul mate” the actress revealed that the pair were still living together at their Bedfordshire home.
She shares children Benjamin, 19, and Lili Rose, 15, with Mark while she is also step-mum to his son Michael, 25, from a previous relationship.
Since Rita walked away from EastEnders, she went on to become a fan favourite on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2018 when she became the fourth person to leave the jungle.
Daily Star Online has approached a representative for Rita.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
