In a recent appearance on ITV’s *Loose Women*, EastEnders actress Samantha Womack opened up about her emotional journey following her character Ronnie Mitchell’s tragic departure from the beloved BBC soap. Since joining the cast in 2007, Womack became a fan favorite alongside her on-screen sister Roxy Mitchell, portrayed by Rita Simons.
Ronnie Mitchell’s Heart-wrenching Storyline
Throughout her time on EastEnders, Ronnie endured numerous hardships, including the tragic death of her daughter Danielle and a tumultuous relationship with her father Archie. One of the most dramatic arcs was the infamous baby swap story. Fans were left heartbroken on New Year’s Day in 2017 when both Ronnie and Roxy died in a devastating drowning incident, just after Ronnie’s wedding to Jack Branning. Roxy, who had been drinking, fell into a pool, prompting a desperate attempt from Ronnie to save her. Unfortunately, Ronnie’s wedding dress weighed her down, leading to a tragic end for both characters.
Reflections on Departure from EastEnders
Now appearing in the play *Dear England*, Womack reflected on the impact her long stint as Ronnie had on her life. “Being in a place for nine years, you form bonds with your co-stars that feel like family,” she shared. “You experience life together—the births, the losses, the joyful moments and the sad ones.”
- Character Durations: Joined EastEnders in 2007
- Character Fate: Died on January 1, 2017
- Co-Star: Rita Simons as Roxy Mitchell
When questioned about her feelings regarding Ronnie’s death scene, Womack commented, “We often wondered what would happen if we kept swimming to the surface.” She went on to express that the scene was artistically captured, but acknowledged the uncertainties that come with being self-employed in the entertainment industry.
Life After EastEnders
Womack revealed that her perspective on life has significantly changed over the past few years. After surviving a breast cancer diagnosis, she began to appreciate both the highs and lows of life, stating, “It’s the beautiful chaos of it all.” She expressed gratitude for having worked with amazing people for nearly a decade on EastEnders.
Outside of her career, Womack shares her life with husband Mark Womack, known for his role as Detective Inspector Mark Malone on *Emmerdale*. They reside in the mountains of Valencia, where their conversations revolve around their rescue dogs rather than their work in show business. “For us, it’s a job we love, but we leave it behind when we step off the set,” she noted.
