Sam Womack and Rita Simons have reacted to their on-screen deaths in EastEnders, while their co-stars have paid heartfelt tributes
EastEnders cast members have rallied around their co-stars Sam Womack and Rita Simon, whose characters Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell died in a swimming pool tragedy on New Year’s Day.
Sam said in a tweet after the episode screened on Sunday night, she was ‘honestly broken’ and called their deaths an ‘appropriate end to the darkest year ever’.
I'm sorry I can't respond to any comments..I'm honestly broken. An appropriate end to the darkest year ever.@OfficialRita @RealScottMaslen 💔
— Sam Womack (@Sam_Womack) January 1, 2017
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But while Sam was in bits at the Mitchell girls’ deaths, her on-screen partner Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) said it was sad times, but he loved working with the actresses.
End of an era! #ronnieandroxy loved working with @sam_womack and @OfficialRita #eastenders #sadtimes thanks for all the tweets!
— SCOTT MASLEN (@RealScottMaslen) January 1, 2017
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Meanwhile, Jake Wood, who has just returned to EastEnders as Max Branning, called the women ‘amazingly talented’.
To the amazingly talented @OfficialRita @Sam_Womack the show and viewers will miss you both. Love always xxx
— Jake Wood (@mrjakedwood) January 2, 2017
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Danny Dyer, who plays Mick Carter, said their relationship was ‘on screen chemistry personnified’ and they were ‘two beautifully complex EastEnders icons’.
Two beautifully complex Eastenders Icons. On screen chemistry personified. Nothing but love for ya's #missed. @Sam_Womack @OfficialRita X
— Danny Dyer (@MrDDyer) January 1, 2017
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Ominously, a clearly upset Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell) said: “I really don’t have words right now. But words will come..”
Thank you all for your lovely tweets. I don't really have words right now. But words will come.. in good time #R&R
— Rita Simons (@OfficialRita) January 1, 2017