EASTENDERS legend Rita Simons has married her “best friend” in a stunning rural wedding.
The BBC One show alum, 48, only revealed the pair had got engaged back in January, with a sweet Instagram upload.
EastEnders’ Rita Simons has revealed she’s married her long-term partnerCredit: instagram/@rita_simonsofficial
The actress and Ben Harlow said I Do in a stunning ceremony in CumbriaCredit: Instagram/rita_simonsofficial
She is best known for playing Roxy Mitchell in EastEndersCredit: Handout
Now Rita, who is best-known for playing EastEnders’ Roxy Mitchell, has tied the knot with Ben Harlow in the same year.
The actress took to her social media grid to reveal the happy news as well as a handful of snapshots showing her stunning boho bridal look.
Rita opted for an off the shoulder flowing cream dress adorned with a floral print for the ceremony in Carlisle, Cumbria.
She styled her blonde hair into waves and a half-up style with fresh make-up.
Her new groom Ben opted for a handsome beige suit and crisp white shirt.
The lovebirds shared images showing them enjoying a kiss while in front of a lake as well as holding hands when strolling through a park.
Rita also gave a snapshot of the ceremony, too, with the pair looking blissfully in love as they read their vows in a wood-floored barn.
She then hopped onto the stage with Blue’s Duncan James during the wedding reception to mark their special night.
In her emotional caption, the soap star wrote: “Well this happened yesterday!
“I married my best friend @benjyharlow. Just a little teaser before I have the good stuff from @the.event.editor content creator.”
She added: “I can’t even put into words how special our day was…mostly because we have the most incredible bunch of humans who love us unconditionally and who were prepared to travel to @hiddenriverbarn from all over the world to share our day.
“We love you all. You know who you are …sorry there’s gonna be a ton of pics to follow!
“The stars of the day were (apart from my babies @jaimee_silv @maiya.sammy ) @therocketscollective who rocked SO hard for the entire day and night! (Videos incoming!)”
She then told of All Rise singer Duncan’s role in the special day and added: “Thank you my darling @mrduncanjames for giving me away, I love you forever.”
Rita’s celebrity fans and followers were quick to share in her happiness.
EastEnders alum Ricky Norwood, who played Fatboy, wrote: “Congratulations Reeeett. Wishing you nothing but happiness, joy and a beautiful future together.”
Cheryl Ferguson, who also starred on the show, posted: “Congratulations Rita.”
Jo Joyner – who refused to rule out a Walford comeback recently – added: “You look beautiful congratulations.”
Blue’s Duncan then replied: “Thank you to you and Ben for such a wonderful wedding.”
HAPPY ENGAGEMENT
The pair’s wedding comes just nine months after their engagement.
In the Instagram picture back in January, Rita can be seen showing off her engagement ring as she poses for the camera, while Ben beams for the camera as he sits beside her.
Captioning the post, Rita wrote: “… so this happened!”
The actress then added two sparkling ring emojis and an excited face.”
Rita and theatre actor Ben first met in 2017 when they both starred in the touring production of hit musical Legally Blonde.
They started dating a couple of years later after Rita split with her first husband of 14 years, Theo Silveston.
The former couple had met in 2004 and welcomed twin daughters together before they separated in 2018.
Their divorce was finalised in 2020.
Rita joined EastEnders as Roxy in 2007 and became a fan favourite before she was brutally killed off alongside on-screen sister Ronnie in a tragic New Year storyline in 2017.
She went on to appear on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2018 before joining Hollyoaks last year as Marie Fielding.
