Rita’s happy as Larry...
I might have to go and sit in the pool until they all shut up a bit
RITA Simons cannot wait to get into the jungle after being encouraged by former screen dad Larry Lamb to take part.
The actress played EastEnders’ Roxy Mitchell, daughter of Archie, until her character was killed off last year.
Rita said: “I’m nothing like Roxy, I’m a mum-of-two, married , boring.
“But I spoke to Larry Lamb and he said I’m A Celebrity was the best experience he’s ever had and he couldn’t advise me more to do it. He said it would be the best experience, so I listened to Larry.”
Since leaving the BBC1 soap, Rita has been touring with musical Legally Blonde. She went on: “I haven’t had time to watch any TV for over a year now as I’ve been on tour.” And with work Holly and co-host Dec THE Chase star Anne Hegerty says her autism may ruffle some feathers in the jungle – but might help her survive.
The quiz expert, 60, revealed bosses have told her to go into the Bush Telegraph if she felt uneasy at any point.
She added: “I might get peopled out, there might just be too many people around. I might feel like going to sit in the pool until everyone has shut up a bit.
“On the other hand it might have advantages. If I’m not as good at picking up on bad atmospheres,
I’ll be happy drifting along.
“One problem I have is being face-blind. So there’s a real possibility of getting some of the campmates mixed up, which will be very embarrassing.”
She added: “I just hope I don’t do anything awful or turn out to be a complete whinger. I Larry Lamb & Rita in EastEnders booked for next year, she has had no time to prepare for, or stress about, jungle life on I’m A Celeb, this year hosted by Declan Donnelly and stand-in Holly Willoughby.
Rita, 41, joked: “I had about 649 jobs in the run-up to do. If I hadn’t, reality would definitely have set in by now.” know everyone is going to vote for me to do trials. Bring it on. I’m not crazy about spiders – when it comes to eating, I’ll have to hold my nose and go for it.”
Anne admitted she was not looking forward to the jungle showers. She said: “I’ve been asked to bring three swimming costumes, so I’m afraid I’ve brought three very sensible swimming costumes, we’re not exactly talking Victorian bloomers or anything like that, but yeah, people won’t see as much of me as they might like. They will have to put up with the disappointment.”
Her I’m A Celeb fee means she will no longer need to “Chase” between her home in Manchester and the Elstree studios in Hertfordshire for work. She said: “I love where I live and I don’t want to get rid of it. So a little bolthole down south would be nice.”