EastEnders legend shares engagement to long-term partner

Rita Simons, who plays Roxy Mitchell on the popular BBC soap opera, shared a snap of her donning an engagement ring alongside her fiance Ben Harlow.

In the post, she wrote: “… so this happened!”

Fans share excitement as EastEnders legend announces engagement

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A post shared by Rita Simons (@rita_simonsofficial)

Friends and followers of the EastEnders actress were quick to share their excitement.

Blue singer Duncan James said: "Love u so much! Congrats to the both of u! Jadore!!"

And TV presenter Lisa Snowdon wrote: "Ahhhh congratulations" and included a heart emoji.

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One fan of the BBC star wrote: "Awww! Many congratulations to you both xx."

Former Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Waring added: "Congratulations to you both" alongside a heart emoji.

Bobby Seagull said: "And this is such wonderful news. So so so happy for you both."

Rita and Ben first met in 2017 when they both starred in a theatre production of Legally Blonde.

They started dating when Rita broke up with her husband of 14 years, Theo Silverton.

Rita was a part of EastEnders for years, first joining the programme all the way back in 2007.

She was later killed alongside her on-screen sister Ronnie in a tragic New Year storyline in 2017.

Beyond her time on the BBC soap opera, she appeared on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here before taking on the role of Marie Fielding in Hollyoaks.

EastEnders can be watched and streamed on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.