Rita Simons has filmed her final scenes in Hollyoaks, as her character Marie Fielding is set to exit the series this autumn.
After nearly two years in the role, Simons announced her departure back in June. The actor, who had previously appeared as Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, debuted on the Channel 4 soap in March 2024 as Marie, the mother of Joel Dexter, Abe and Arlo Fielding.
Following the filming of her last scenes, Simons shared an emotional exit post on her Instagram, thanking the team and teasing the "incredible" 30th anniversary episode.
"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," she wrote on Instagram.
Alongside her farewell message, Simons shared some behind-the-scenes photos, including one featuring Arlo Fielding actor Dan Hough.
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"Going to miss you so much," wrote her Hollyoaks co-star Isabelle Smith, who portrays Frankie Osborne, in the comments section. Peri Lomax actor Ruby O'Donnell also reacted to the post, sharing some heart emojis.
When she announced her departure in June, Simons explained that, although Liverpool was now "her second home", she had decided to return to her home city.
"London and my true home is calling and I have to follow my heart. Gone are the days of not listening to my soul. So… London's calling baby!," she wrote.
Related: 19 huge Hollyoaks spoilers for next week (15 to 17 September)
In the same post, Simons teased her character'exit, writing that "Marie has a bit more carnage and a few laughs to unleash on the village", and thanked the fans for their support.
"Thank you all for all the love and support you’ve always shown me no matter what fictional town I end up in."
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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