EastEnders and Hollyoaks star Rita Simons joins ITV's new soap reality show

EastEnders and Hollyoaks star Rita Simons is set to join forces with fellow soap icons for new reality series Drama Queens.

The actress, best known for playing Roxy Mitchell and Marie Fielding in the two soaps, will appear in the recently-confirmed ITVBe show, which will give fans an "authentic and aspirational glimpse" into the lives of soap actresses.

Also on board are fellow Hollyoaks stars Jamelia (Sharon Bailey) and Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen), as well as Coronation Street's Ellie Leach (Faye Windass), Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) and Lucy Fallon (Bethany Platt), and Emmerdale's Amy Walsh (Tracy Metcalfe), Laura Norton (Kerry Wyatt) and Roxy Shahidi (Leyla Harding).

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According to the synopsis, Drama Queens "promises exclusive access to the cast’s professional commitments, as they juggle late-night finishes, photo-shoots, and last-minute line learning, with their family lives".

"Viewers can expect an inside look at the real, unscripted lives of these beloved soap stars, going behind the scenes of red-carpet events, awards ceremonies, holidays, house moves, and precious family moments," it adds.

"With the soap stars leading interconnected lives, the series introduces the genuine friendship groups between them."

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Rita's storyline "unfolds as she commences a new chapter in her life" by moving to the North to star in Hollyoaks.

"Reflecting on her colourful career and personal struggles, Rita deals with major life decisions, from embracing a clean-living lifestyle to navigating the complexities of motherhood and career aspirations."

“ITV are excited to bring a brand-new commission to viewers screens in 2024, which will showcase the real lives of some of the country’s best loved soap stars," said ITV2, ITVBe & CITV's director of reality commissioning and acquisitions and controller Paul Mortimer.

"This behind-the-scenes journey is bound to strengthen the bond between audiences and these beloved TV personalities, reigniting your love for them in a whole new way.”

Drama Queens will premiere on Wednesday, April 10 at 9pm on ITVBe and ITVX.