'EastEnders' Rita Simons: 'Jack is hypocritical in Amy plot'

Published Oct 25 2011, 14:25 BST  |  By Daniel Kilkelly

EastEnders star Rita Simons has defended her character Roxy Mitchell, insisting that she does not deserve to be branded an unfit mother in her forthcoming storyline.

Roxy is left devastated next week as Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) gets temporary residency of their daughter Amy after the youngster has an accident, almost drowning while trying to run a bath for one of her dolls. The incident occurs when Ben (Joshua Pascoe) offers to babysit Amy but leaves her alone for a few minutes.

Amy also has an injury to her arm from a previous fall, which sparks concern among social services as her home life comes under scrutiny.

Simons told All About Soap: "It turns out Amy had a fall earlier in the week. Roxy thought she was fine at the time, but the social worker sees that, coupled with this incident, as neglect. Jack then makes out Roxy's a bad mother and takes Amy away from her."

She continued: "Roxy doesn't deserve to have Amy taken away. Jack doesn't see his other kids, yet he thinks Roxy is a bad mum. It's a bit hypocritical! I think his behaviour has a lot to do with the situation with Ronnie."



Simons added that the ordeal is "heartbreaking" for Roxy, predicting that the feisty blonde will focus all of her efforts on trying to win Amy back.

"She will fight... and she has Phil, Shirley and Christian to support her," the actress said.

Roxy's new storyline begins on Thursday, November 3 at 7.30pm on BBC One.

> EastEnders' Roxy left devastated over Amy - Full spoilers and pictures
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