Fans of EastEnders and Hollyoaks star Rita Simons were taken aback this week as the beloved actress opened up about her decision to dissolve her facial fillers, admitting she had “really regretted” getting them in the first place. The actress, best known for her portrayal of Ronnie Mitchell on EastEnders, shared a candid update on Instagram, revealing her journey toward a more natural look.

Rita, now part of the Hollyoaks cast as Marie Fielding, has never been shy about her cosmetic enhancements, but in a heartfelt post, she explained how she began to feel uncomfortable with the amount of filler she had accumulated over the years. “I was starting to resemble a pillow,” she joked, referencing the exaggerated fullness that had built up due to repeated filler treatments.

A Change of Heart: Finding Balance with Aesthetic Procedures

In her Instagram post, Rita emphasized that while she’s “not adverse to fillers,” she’s come to realize the importance of balance. “I’ve really regretted having fillers over the years,” she confessed, noting that they had started to alter her natural appearance in ways she no longer liked. She explained that the filler had built up over time, leading to an inflated, almost unnatural look.

Rita’s post also acknowledged the impact of social media and public perception, specifically addressing potential comments that might tell her she “didn’t need it.” She responded, “FYI in advance for the ‘you don’t need it’ comments… I know! That’s why it’s going!”

To correct her appearance, Rita turned to Dr. Stephen Hennessy, a facial aesthetics expert, to begin the process of dissolving the fillers. “So lovely Dr. Hennessy started dissolving them last week, and today we’ve done the last bit,” Rita shared. The actress has promised to update her followers on the results once the filler dissolving process fully settles, including sharing “before and after” photos.

Rita’s Personal Journey: From EastEnders Icon to Hollyoaks Star

Rita’s decision to step back from fillers marks a personal evolution as well as a professional one. Fans remember her as one half of the Mitchell sisters, the infamous duo Ronnie and Roxy, on EastEnders. Ronnie and Roxy’s tragic exit in 2017, where they drowned together in a pool after Ronnie’s wedding to Jack Branning, left viewers heartbroken. The powerful portrayal of sisterhood, love, and loss cemented Rita’s place in the hearts of EastEnders fans, many of whom still refer to her as an iconic part of the soap.

After EastEnders, Rita ventured into Hollyoaks, taking on the role of Marie Fielding, mother to Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed) and Arlo Fielding (Dan Hough). Marie’s time in the village has seen her involved in plenty of drama, from dealing with her estranged family to embarking on a short affair with Hollyoaks icon Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard). While Marie’s relationship with her family has been tumultuous, Rita’s character work has continued to win over a new set of fans.

The Power of Vulnerability: Rita Simons’ Honest Reflection

Rita’s openness about her cosmetic procedures marks an important shift in celebrity culture, where vulnerability and authenticity are becoming more valued than perfection. By sharing her decision to dissolve her fillers and addressing the pressures of maintaining a certain look, Rita is helping to normalize the conversation around cosmetic treatments. Many people, especially women in the public eye, often feel an immense pressure to appear “perfect” and may not openly discuss their experiences with enhancements or the regrets that can accompany them. Rita’s story serves as a reminder that it’s okay to change your mind and embrace a more authentic version of yourself, especially when it comes to self-care.

Her message has resonated with many, especially her fans who have supported her throughout her EastEnders and Hollyoaks journey. Rita continues to be a role model in many ways, not only for her acting but also for her willingness to be transparent about her personal growth.

What’s Next for Rita Simons?

While Rita’s decision to move away from cosmetic treatments marks an exciting new chapter in her life, she remains a key figure in the entertainment world. After her departure from EastEnders, Rita continues to thrive in Hollyoaks and has kept busy with various projects. However, the actress has made it clear that she is far from finished with acting and that this shift in appearance is simply part of her journey—one that includes learning, evolving, and embracing her true self.

Fans are eager to see how Rita’s personal changes might inspire her future roles and performances, particularly in Hollyoaks, where her character’s arc continues to unfold.

For now, Rita’s decision to step back from fillers will undoubtedly continue to inspire others to think about beauty, authenticity, and the pressures of public life in a more compassionate and thoughtful way. As she continues her journey both onscreen and in her personal life, her fans are sure to keep supporting her every step of the way.