BBC EastEnders icon Rita Simons sparks concern after 'not eating or sleeping properly'

EastEnders viewers were treated to some super tense moments in Thursday night's episode as Sam Mitchell left Albert Square after causing carnage at the Queen Vic After learning that she had been left a staggering £100,000 in her Aunt Sal's will - along with Phil and Grant's share - she confronted brother Phil to demand her share of the money. Unimpressed when he refused to hand it over, she decided to resort to blackmail after discovering that Phil had cheated on his wife Kat - something she learned from Alfie Moon.

Hot on the heels of this year’s explosive Christmas whodunnit storyline, EastEnders fans have high hopes for the soap’s 40th anniversary next year after several eagled eyed fans claim to have spotted proof that two characters will be returning from the dead. According to fans, Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell could be making a come back, despite having being killed off on screen! Of course, death has never been a barrier to other characters from returning, with Dirty Den Watts, Kathy Beale and Cindy Beale all having returned to the soap after previously being killed on the soap.

Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez has concerned viewers of the BBC show after the professional dancer announced an exciting career move out of the UK as he spends some time away from fiancée Gemma Atkinson.

Some Strictly Come Dancing fans have flooded Gorka Marquez with the same question following his latest announcement. The dancer was super excited to reveal the news he'd been teasing after ditching the UK earlier this week.

Whitney Dean is set to leave Walford later this year and while details of her exit storyline are still yet to be revealed, EastEnders fans are sure they've worked out what prompts her to leave Albert Square. Whitney (Shona McGarty) is currently in a happy relationship with Zack Hudson (James Farrar), with the pair having moved in together and recently started fostering. Shortly after Christmas, Whitney discovered she's pregnant again and has ultimately decided to keep her baby.

EastEnders fans have been left cringing over Penny Branning's (Kitty Castledine) nickname for her dad Jack (Scott Maslen). Following her dramatic return to Albert Square, Penny has been referring to her dad as "Big Man Jack", something that fans have complained has left them feeling rather grossed out.Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one viewer complained: "'Big man Jack' is not cute. It’s a really weird name to give your own dad.

Kate Garraway has told her Good Morning Britain co-star that she's in a 'strange bubble of numbness' following the death of her husband Derek Draper. The presenter was heartbroken to share the news of Derek's death last Friday, January 5, almost four years after contracting Covid changed their lives.

Rylan Clark has been left concerned he could die following an encounter with what he believes was a bat when he opened his front door and the animal landed on his hand as he fears he could have been bitten or scratched.

Since first arriving on our screens last Summer, it’s safe to say that George Knight hasn’t had the easiest time in EastEnders after finding out his wife, Rose Knight, was actually Cindy Beale all along. Yet while he appeared to have been able to take the revelation in his stride, one truth that may break the famed boxer completely is the news that his adoptive parents had been paid to take him in.

EastEnders' Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) is set to make a big decision in tonight's episode following her shocking pregnancy news.The character confides in Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) after a fallout with her partner Zack Hudson (James Farrar), ahead of her departure from the popular BBC soap. Last year, Whitney and Zack were heartbroken when they discovered their unborn baby girl had Edwards' syndrome. Despite starting the process of termination, Whitney gave birth to their daughter Peach 18 weeks into the pregnancy.

A top chef has opened up about a touching gesture from Greens boss Simon Rimmer during a difficult time, as he paid tribute to the restaurant's legacy after it announced its shock closure.

Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) made a dramatic return to Albert Square, alongside her son Louie Beale, with fans quick to notice that the youngster has been recast. Last year Louie appeared as part of Cindy Beale's (Michelle Collins) return, as it emerged that she was living in France with husband Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and son Peter (Thomas Law), who is Louie's father. In this storyline, the eight year old was played by Freddie Harrington, but now Jake McNally is in the role.

EastEnders star Michelle Collins has been left stranded in Spain after jetting off to celebrate the New Year.The actress, 61, who recently returned to the role of Cindy Beale, was left asking for help after she lost her passport while abroad.Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Michelle reached out to EasyJet as she tried to work out a way back to the UK. She wrote: "Please @easyJet can you help me I have lost my passport at Malaga airport the police (I have been there ) say it is up to the airline to let me fly home, my flight is at 8:30 pm tonight I am heading to the airport having just left the police station .Thank you Michele x" Returning to social media, Michelle then followed this with: "Nobody is very helpful @easyJet this is awful" She later shared that she had not be allowed to fly, writing: "Thank you most of you for your helpful comments.

EastEnders fans were thrilled with Jacqueline Jossa's big comeback as Lauren Branning in a surprising turn of events. Lauren has been living in Paris, France with her cousin Penny Branning, but during the latest episode, she decides to reconnect with her former flame Peter Beale and makes her way back to Walford. Even though Peter is out and about meeting all the ladies of Walford, Lauren seems to still hold a torch for him, despite previously swearing off seeing him again after his lies relating to Cindy.

EastEnders star Brian Conley has finally spoken out after his character, Rocky Cotton, was arrested and said an emotional farewell in Friday's episode. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the 62 year old actor had decided to leave the popular BBC One soap, two years after joining in 2021.

EastEnders star Max Bowden has spoken out after news of his emotional exit from the BBC soap following four years playing fan favourite Ben Mitchell.

Victoria Beckham shared a photo on Instagram showing husband David looking pre-occupied and pensive as the England legend missed out on a knighthood once again.

EastEnders fans were left puzzled after a major plot hole was spotted following Keanu's shocking Christmas death. On Christmas Day, viewers watched as Linda Carter killed Keanu Taylor for trying to strangle Sharon Watts after she wouldn't let him see Albie. It came after Sharon called off the wedding having learnt that Keanu was a part of the kidnapping plot for Albie, reports The Mirror.

EastEnders has announced the death of another character following the shocking murder of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) with the Mitchells set to face a big loss, leaving one character deeply affected. This follows the Christmas Day tragedy in Walford, which ended with Keanu getting stabbed by Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) as he attempted to strangle Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean). But this won't be the only tragedy to hit Albert Square in the coming weeks, according to the MirrorOnline.

Former EastEnders actress Shana Swash has announced that she welcomed her first child just days before Christmas. Announcing the new arrival, Shana, 33, shared a black-and-white photo of the newborn on her Instagram page, where she shared the tot's name, simply captioning the snap: "Kitty Frances Swash Jones [white heart emoji] 18.12.2023." Fans were quick to share messages of congratulations, with one writing: "Beautiful name for a perfect little girl congratulations." While another added: "She’s beautiful, huge congratulations to you all! Love her name xx" "ohh congrats! So delighted for you! Biggest hugs and love" penned a third, while a fourth said: "Massive Congrats @shana_swash She's divine! Sx" Over the summer, Shana who is the younger sister of Joe Swash announced she and fiancé Nick Jones were expecting their first child.