EastEnders legend Rita Simons given away by pop icon in ‘stunning’ wedding day
EastEnders legend Rita Simons was ‘given away’ by a pop icon as she brought fans inside her wedding to her ‘best friend’.
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The popular Roxy Mitchell actress announced her engagement to actor turned podcast host Ben Harlow at the beginning of the year.
The couple met and initially struck up a friendship while working together Legally Blonde the Musical in 2017.
Going on to become a couple in 2020, Rita has been providing regular updates about their wedding plans for several months.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday (September 16), Rita revealed through a video that she and Ben said ‘I do’ the day prior.
Joined by their family and friends, the pair’s ceremony was held in the lavish Hidden River Barn, located in Carlisle.
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Rita’s 18-year-old twin daughters Jaimee and Maiya, who she had from her previous marriage to Theo Silveston, served as her bridesmaids.
In a year where she departed Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, Rita was walked down the aisle by none other than Blue’s Duncan Jones, who she has been friends with for a number of years.
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One special moment saw Rita take to the stage after the ceremony to perform a song with Duncan, known for fronting the band who boast hit songs such as All Rise and Best In Me.
Sharing a video from the day, Rita captioned her post: “Well this happened yesterday! I married my best friend @benjyharlow. Just a little teaser before I have the good stuff from @the.event.editor content creator
“I can’t even put into words how special our day was…mostly because we have the most incredible bunch of humans who love us unconditionally and who were prepared to travel to @hiddenriverbarn from all over the world to share our day.
“We love you all. You know who you are …sorry there’s gonna be a ton of pics to follow!”
Rita continued: “The stars of the day were (apart from my babies @jaimee_silv @maiya.sammy ) @therocketscollective who rocked SO hard for the entire day and night! (Videos incoming!)
“Thank you my darling @mrduncanjames for giving me away, I love you forever. Thank you @dottybridal for my dream dress @painted_by_paul_ make up @hiddenriverbarn LAURA! Wedding planner extraordinaire @_studioyard florist of dreams! @artelierhairformby @greatlengthsuk_ie.”
Duncan replied to the post: “Thank you to you and Ben for such a wonderful wedding.”
The rest of the comments section saw a selection of Rita’s famous friends congratulating her and Ben on their big day, including a number of her former colleagues.
Rita’s onscreen EastEnders sister Samantha Womack said: “And for your sister’s soppy wedding speech!!!!!! xxxxxx love you.” Amy Branning’s Ellie Dadd added: “Congratulations Rita and Ben.”
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Fat Boy actor Ricky Norwood wrote: “Congratulations Reeeett. Wishing you nothing but happiness, joy and a beautiful future together.” Hollyoaks actress Anna Passey stated: “Congratulations beautiful lady.”
Soap legend Glynis Barber commented: “You look stunning! So happy you had a wonderful day and sad I couldn’t be there.” Cheryl Fergison posted: “Congratulations Rita!”