Soap royalty Rita Simons has opened up about her time on Hollyoaks as she revealed the show feels like her “second home”.

Rita, who portrayed the role of Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders for 10 years, most recently took on the character of Marie Fielding in the Channel 4 soap, as the mother of Joel Dexter, Abe and Arlo Fielding.

But back in June this year, she announced that she would be departing the programme this autumn.

In a post on Instagram at the time, Rita shared some behind-the-scenes photos, including one with her on screen son Arlo (Dan Hough), along with the emotional farewell message: "There's nothing more I can post here without giving away spoilers for @hollyoaksofficial 30th anniversary ep! I will when I can! But it's looking incredible! And that's a wrap for me. Thank you gorgeous @hannahrcheers and co for having me! It's been a joy.”

© South Wales Argus