EastEnders star Rita Simons has courageously revealed her struggle with scoliosis, a condition few fans knew she experienced. At 48, the actress, beloved for portraying Roxy Mitchell on the BBC soap, shared the physical and emotional impact scoliosis has on her life.
Scoliosis is a spinal disorder where the spine curves and twists sideways, sometimes severely enough to require surgical intervention. Rita posted an intimate video on Instagram, showing the pronounced curve in her spine and a noticeable “rib hump,” accompanied by a recent X-ray that illustrates the severity of her condition.
She explained, “Some of you know I have scoliosis. Some of you are about to Google it. So… here it is. My back does its own thing. Big time.” Despite chronic back pain, which she manages daily, her biggest challenge is the struggle to find clothes that fit comfortably and flatter her uniquely shaped body.
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Rita further expressed, “What looks fabulous on the hanger usually makes me look like a rolled-up carpet. I’ve never been this exposed about it before… but I’m going to just say fk it and do it.”
Her heartfelt message was dedicated to others living with scoliosis and those with similar body types, affirming, “This one’s for my scoli sisters— I see you and I understand more than you probably realise — but also for the big-boobed, short-waisted, slightly wonky, perfectly imperfect crew.”
While surgery isn’t an option for her, she relies on physiotherapy, posture checks, and a collection of blazers to manage her condition. “If my back were straight I’d be unbearably fkn perfect. This is character building,” she added.
Fans quickly rallied around Rita, applauding her honesty and gratitude for raising awareness. They shared heartfelt messages, appreciating the visibility she brings to an often overlooked condition and the comfort it provides to others living with scoliosis.