Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell, 'EastEnders')
The Mitchells descend on Weymouth next week for a special bank of EastEnders episodes which sees the introduction of the much-anticipated Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb), father to brash barmaids Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell, played by Sam Janus and Rita Simons respectively. DS caught up with Rita to chat about the introduction of her on-screen father Sean Slater and what it was like filming in Weymouth.
There were months of speculation before the casting of Archie was announced. What was your reaction when you heard it was going to be Larry Lamb?
"I was really pleased. There was loads of speculation and to be honest, I actually lost interest in the end because there were so many different names being thrown around. Larry's perfect, he even looks like he's Ronnie and Roxy's dad. I loved him in Gavin And Stacey and I think he's a brilliant actor."
What's it been like working with Larry? You must have got to know him quite well now.
"It's been lovely working with him. I feel like I've got a new dad, I love it. I can't praise him enough. He's slotted in so well. He's such a Mitchell."
Has it altered the dynamic between yourself and Sam [Janus] or has it added an extra dimension to your on-screen relationship?
"I think it's added another piece of the jigsaw to our relationship. It's not changed anything, it's simply added to us as 'sisters', especially when we're shooting scenes about our past as it's a lot easier to show why we are like we are."
You must relish the fact that you're learning more and more about the past of the character that you've created.
"Definitely. We learn quite early on that Roxy's spoilt rotten and you see that she's hidden away and turned a blind eye to Ronnie and Archie's problems. She's not as stupid as she looks, though - she knows which side her bread's buttered. She's a proper little daddy's girl."
Does Roxy know the extent of Archie and Ronnie's relationship?
"It's 50/50. Half the time she just doesn't notice and the other half it's the case that she has noticed but she's chosen not to say anything. Archie will feed Roxy a lot of lies and she'll fall for them because she'll feel sorry for him."
Why don't Ronnie and Roxy see eye-to-eye where Archie's concerned?
"Basically Ronnie always maintains that he's evil and I think Ronnie's mad for thinking that!"
Why has Roxy become increasingly independent over the last few months?
"I think sleeping with Jack and getting pregnant was a massive thing for her. She had to take stock and look after herself for the first time in her life. It's nothing she could go to Ronnie with, so she had to do some growing up. It was going to happen eventually."
I bet you can't wait to film those scenes where Ronnie finds out about Roxy and Jack, can you?
"Oh my God! I'm dreading it, she'll kill me! I dread to think what they'll write, I really do."
What was it like filming in Weymouth?
"I loved it. I got there a day later than everyone else. Before I got there, though, a Weymouth radio station had announced that we were filming on the beach and I think the entire population of Weymouth turned out! It was a really good laugh. We just sat on the beach when we weren't filming - it was lovely. Freezing cold, but lovely. We were filming until four in the morning one night and it was minus four."
Bonus Scoop: Rita Simons, 'EastEnders'
Earlier this week, I caught up with Rita Simons to chat about the illustrious Archie Mitchell and her time on-location in Weymouth. Click here to read the fruits of my time with her. Before that, though, here's some extra material which didn't make it to the final cut!
So where Sean's concerned, is it love or lust? Or is it more complicated now she's pregnant?
"Sean thinks he's in love with Roxy and he says he is, but whether he is or not remains to be seen. He does want to be a father to the child. Roxy's in love with Sean. She'd much rather it was Sean's baby, although I don't know if Sean's in love with Roxy or the idea of Roxy and the baby."
Are we going to see a different side to Roxy in the coming weeks?
"I suppose the pregnancy is bringing out the softer side in her, but hopefully it doesn't change her too much. We did a scene recently - and I can't say too much - where I'm feeling sorry for someone who I usually hate because my hormones are all over the place."
Do you think she's a mum at heart?
"I think she'll be a great mum because she's good with kids. She's not a conventional mum at heart, though. She's not going to start attending mums' coffee mornings."
Are Sean are Roxy going to last?
"Who knows? All I can say is that it's going to be hell for her. She's going to have the most stressful pregnancy ever."
Finally, you and Sam have such a chemistry on screen, it must be second nature now to you both.
"Yeah, it is. Sam and I are extremely lucky. I just love doing scenes with Sam. When we're together, I don't have to think about my dialogue because everything just comes so naturally. I'm sure it stems from the fact that we're such good friends off screen. We act in a very similar way and more importantly, we act in the same way."
