Former EastEnders star Rita Simons is divorcing her husband of 14 years, we can reveal.
The actress, 43, and Theo Silverston have called time on their marriage because they have been “growing apart”.
The pair, who have twin daughters, have been secretly living separate lives since 2018.
Hairdresser Theo has already moved out of the family home in Elstree, Hertfordshire.
Rita, who played Roxy Mitchell on EastEnders for a decade, is said to be coping well.
Her agent last night confirmed they are set to divorce.
They said: “Rita and Theo have been separated for almost two years and Theo moved out of the family home some time ago.
Rita and Theo are divorcing after 14 years together (Image: Alpha-Jeff Spicer)
“They are currently finalising their divorce, and amicably co-parenting their two daughters.”
Rita is excited about the future, according to her pals.
She is said to be keen to sell the family home so that she can make a fresh start.
A source said: “The split has been a big change for Rita, but she knows it’s the right decision.
Rita left EastEnders as Roxy Mitchell after 10 years in 2017 (Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron)
“She and Theo are still on good terms, which has made everything a lot easier.”
Rita’s character Roxy and her sister Ronnie, played by Sam Womack, became favourites with viewers.
But their time on the show came to an end when bosses decided to kill off the characters in 2017.
Since then Rita has landed a string of stage roles and starred on I’m A Celebrity.
She became a household name in 2007 when she joined the BBC soap and even made a cameo in 2019, two years after her exit.
Viewers heard her voice when her ex Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) returned and played an old voicemail she’d left him while they were married.
In her stage career since EastEnders, Rita has appeared as Caro Harcourt in The House on Cold Hill and Miss Hedge in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
