This EastEnders star is 'in talks' to appear on I'm A Celebrity
The new series will return later this year
Last updated 24th Sep 2018
Now summer is over and it's finally raining again, it's officially time to get excited about I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!. The new series is right around the corner, and rumours about which celebs will be heading down under are seriously heating up.
The latest rumour has got us VERY excited about the start of the new show! Former EastEnders star Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell, is reportedly 'in talks' to appear on the 2018 series.
A TV insider said, “Rita was one of the most recognisable faces in soap before her character was tragically axed. She is yet to venture into the world of reality TV so it will be a massive coup for ITV to secure her.
“Obviously it will be hard for Rita to live in the jungle with her health problems but she’s hoping that some time away from her hectic lifestyle will help and that it will also provide a career boost and hopefully lead to her landing another big TV part."
Rita recently opened up about her struggles with a variety of health conditions, including insomnia, ADHD, OCD and anxiety. She revealed she meditates for 15 minutes every day to cope.
GALLERY: All the winners of I'm A Celebrity
1. Tony Blackburn
Tony Blackburn was the first celebrity to win the show back in 2002.
2. Phil Tufnell
England cricketer Phil Tufnell won the show with his hilarious personality in 2003.
3. Kerry Katona
Kerry Katona was the first woman to win the show in 2004.
4. Joe Pasquale
Joe Pasquale won the show when it returned later in the year of 2004.
5. Carol Thatcher
Journalist Carol Thatcher won the show in 2005 when she beat soap stars Sheree Murphy and Sid Owen.
6. Matt Willis
Busted member Matt Willis was a popular winner in 2006.
7. Christopher Biggins
Lovable Biggins shared the jungle with the likes of Katie Hopkins and Janice Dickinson and went on to win the show in 2007.
8. Joe Swash
Cheeky chap Joe Swash swapped EastEnders for the jungle and won the show in 2008.
9. Gino D'Acampo
The nation fell in love with Gino in 2009.
10. Stacey Solomon
After showing off her bubbly personality on The X Factor, Stacey Solomon entered the jungle and won the show in 2010.
11. Dougie Poynter
McFly guitarist Dougie Poynter was crowned King of the Jungle ahead of TOWIE's Mark Wright in 2011.
12. Charlie Brooks
EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks couldn't believe it when Ant and Dec announced her as the winner in 2012.
13. Kian Egan
After 22 days in the jungle, Westlife star Kian Egan was crowned the King in 2013.
14. Carl 'Foggy' Fogarty
Retired world super bike racer Carl 'Foggy' Fogarty won over the viewing public in 2014.
15. Vicky Pattison
Vicky Pattison showed a different side to her usual Geordie Shore antics, winning over the public and being crowned Queen of the Jungle.
16. Scarlett Moffatt
Former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt was crowned Queen of the Jungle after winning the show in 2016.
17. Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo
Made In Chelsea star Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo won the show in 2017 after beating Jamie Lomas.
18. Harry Redknapp
Former football manager Harry Redknapp is the current King of the Jungle after beating Emily Atack in 2018.
19. Jacqueline Jossa
Despite the likes of Ian Wright and Caitlyn Jenner signing up for the 2019 series, it was former EastEnders actress Jac Jossa who was crowned Queen of the Jungle, beating Coronation Street's Andy Whyment in the final.
20. Giovanna Fletcher
Podcaster Giovanna Fletcher became the first ever Queen of the Castle in 2020, going up against the likes of Shane Richie, Vernon Kay and Mo Farah!
21. Danny Miller
Emmerdale actor Danny Miller became the first ever KING of the Castle in 2021 after a hectic series. He went up against the likes of David Ginola, Simon Gregson and Frankie Bridge!
22. Jill Scott MBE
Former England footballer Jill Scott MBE topped her amazing year off by being crowned the Queen of the Jungle in November 2022. Jill won the show ahead of Owen Warner and Matt Hancock.
23. Sam Thompson
Radio presenter and TV personality Sam Thompson took the crown in 2023, winning the public's hearts and votes ahead of Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage.
She left EastEnders alongside her co-star Samantha Womack, who played her on-screen sister Ronnie. They were killed off on New Year's Eve 2017 when their characters drowned in a swimming pool.
Speaking about her exit from the show, Rita said, “I was ready to leave, definitely wasn’t ready to die. So when I was told we were dying – now I’m gonna swear – that was a right f------ kick in the bollocks.”
Meanwhile, I'm A Celebrity will return to our TV screens later this year, with Holly Willoughby replacing Ant McPartlin alongside usual host Dec Donnelly.