In an exclusive interview with Mail Online, Samantha Womac, the actress who played Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders, opens up about the heart-wrenching decision that led to her and co-star Rita Simons’ (Roxy Mitchell) departure from the show in 2017. The characters’ tragic deaths on New Year’s Day shocked EastEnders fans and forever altered the landscape of Albert Square.

But how did Womac really feel about it? And could Ronnie and Roxy ever make a return to Walford? Here’s everything you need to know. 

The Heartbreak of Leaving EastEnders

Womac and Simons were at the center of EastEnders during their time on the show, bringing energy, mischief, and unforgettable drama to the Mitchell family. But when the decision was made to write off Ronnie and Roxy, it hit both actresses hard.

“It wasn’t in our hands,” Womac admits in the interview. “We didn’t make the decision to go. One producer was leaving, and another was coming in. I don’t know what went on at the time. It felt like bereavement. It felt like losing a family member. Losing stability.”

Womac confesses that the rejection of their characters was particularly painful. “We loved feeling like we belonged there, and then to be rejected… it really hit us both so hard,” she said.

For Womac, leaving EastEnders was like losing a part of herself. “It felt like losing family,” she recalls. “We were a huge part of that world, and then all of a sudden, we weren’t anymore.”

The Positives of Leaving EastEnders

While the departure was painful, Womac has found a silver lining in the experience. If Ronnie and Roxy hadn’t been killed off, she believes she might still be on the soap today. “I’m living in Valencia now,” she explains. “If they hadn’t killed me off, who knows where I’d be? Maybe I’d still be working on EastEnders.”

The decision to leave has ultimately led to new opportunities for Womac, who’s taken a break from the grueling pace of soap opera life. “I think it was time for something different,” she says, reflecting on her life post-EastEnders.

Could Ronnie and Roxy Return?

The possibility of Ronnie and Roxy’s return has been a hot topic for EastEnders fans. With the immense popularity of the Mitchell sisters, many have hoped that somehow, against the odds, the two characters could be resurrected.

Womac is open to the idea, admitting, “Never say never to a return.” She recognizes the strong fanbase for Ronnie and Roxy, noting, “The fan base is extraordinary. They still go loopy when they hear there’s any chance we could come back.”

However, Womac is realistic about the practicalities of such a return. “The only way they could possibly bring us back is if they say we didn’t actually die,” she jokes. “But it’s a big commitment. I know what those working days are like.”

Still, Womac’s strong affection for the show, the cast, and the fans is clear. “I love EastEnders, and I miss everyone there. I loved working with Rita. It was fun. We were controversial, we were naughty.”

Looking Back on the Iconic Characters

Ronnie and Roxy’s exit from EastEnders remains one of the most controversial moments in recent soap history. The two sisters’ tragic deaths—Roxy’s cocaine-induced heart attack and Ronnie’s drowning while trying to save her—left fans devastated.

“I think we were a bit of a guilty pleasure for people,” says Womac. “We were naughty, and people liked that. We weren’t always the most morally upstanding characters, but we had heart.”

Womac reflects on their bond as sisters, noting how important it was to bring that connection to life on screen. “We were family on screen, and we were family off screen,” she says, speaking fondly of Rita Simons and their time together on EastEnders.

Conclusion: Will the Mitchell Sisters Ever Return?

While Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell’s deaths were heartbreaking for fans, the idea of a return is never entirely off the table. With Womac’s open attitude toward a possible comeback, it seems the door may still be slightly ajar—though it would take some creative writing to bring them back to life.

• Would you like to see Ronnie and Roxy return to EastEnders?

• How would the show explain their return, considering their tragic deaths?

• Can EastEnders bring back the magic of Ronnie and Roxy’s iconic storyline?

What do you think? Will we ever see Ronnie and Roxy again? What’s your favorite EastEnders moment with the Mitchell sisters?