EastEnders Star Rita Simons Reveals Hidden Scoliosis Struggle
EastEnders legend Rita Simons has publicly shared details about a painful health condition that many of her fans were unaware she lives with. The 48-year-old actress, best known for her role as Roxy Mitchell on the long-running BBC soap opera, explained to her followers that she was born with scoliosis.
Understanding Scoliosis and Its Impact
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature and twisting of the spine, which can sometimes necessitate surgical intervention. Rita Simons took to Instagram to post a video where she visibly demonstrated the dramatic curve in her spine, along with what she described as a 'rib hump'.
She also shared her most recent X-ray image, which clearly illustrates the significant spinal curvature. Accompanying the post, Rita wrote, "Some of you know I have scoliosis. Some of you are about to Google it. So… here it is."
Daily Challenges and Personal Reflections
Rita elaborated on the everyday difficulties posed by her condition, stating, "My back does its own thing. Big time. Back pain aside… (the pain is real, but I deal with it) the real drama is getting dressed." She humorously noted that clothing which looks fabulous on a hanger often makes her appear "like a rolled-up carpet."
This marked a significant moment of vulnerability for the actress, as she admitted, "I’ve never been this exposed about it before… but I’m going to just say fk it and do it." Her message was directed toward fellow scoliosis sufferers, whom she referred to as her "scoli sisters," as well as others who feel imperfect, saying she understands their struggles more than they might realize.
Management and Acceptance
Rita Simons clarified that she is not a candidate for surgery, emphasizing that there is no quick fix for her condition. Instead, she manages it through physiotherapy, regular posture checks, and what she jokingly called an "extensive blazer collection." She concluded with a positive spin, remarking, "If my back were straight I’d be unbearably fkn perfect. This is character building."
Overwhelming Support from Fans
The post quickly garnered an outpouring of supportive messages from fans who praised her openness. One follower expressed, "I've never met or seen anyone who hasn't had the surgery and I felt so alone but after seeing this I didn't know you had scoliosis and I just want to say thank you so much this means more than you know."
Another shared a personal connection, writing, "Hi Rita, I feel you on this one I have the same, I’ve never had any surgery but am constantly in pain and it does affect my day to day life, I would of never known just by looking at you and people say the same to me but the X-ray and wonky back/shoulders say different."
A third fan added, "So proud of you for sharing!! It’s definitely not an easy thing to talk about! Also so relatable nothing ever fits! But we got this." A fourth message highlighted the inspirational aspect, stating, "This honestly means so much hearing it from you as a scoliosis girly myself. And you’re someone I’ve always looked up to since I first saw you on Eastenders."
Rita Simons' candid revelation has not only raised awareness about scoliosis but also fostered a sense of community and support among those affected by similar health challenges.
