EastEnders icon Rita Simons has married her ‘best friend’ Ben Harlow in a romantic ceremony, with her famous friends and family in attendance
Rita Simons has walked down the aisle in a lavish celebration. The EastEnders star wed her ‘best friend’ Ben Harlow in an intimate ceremony yesterday, Tuesday 16 September, surrounded by her celebrity pals and loved ones.
Posting on social media, she gushed: “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 proceeded to heap praise on her two daughters for being the “stars” of the occasion before expressing gratitude to her wedding coordinators, gown creators, and beauty artist.
She also gave a special nod to the musicians who performed throughout her big day and evening celebrations.
Duncan James from pop group Blue took on a particularly meaningful role. “Thank you my darling @mrduncanjames for giving me away, I love you forever,” she penned in an affectionate tribute to the musician, reports the Mirror.
The singer was swift to respond to her post, declaring: “Thankyou to you and ben for such a wonderful wedding,” accompanied by a series of red heart emojis.
Fellow stars flooded the comments with well-wishes, including Ellie Dadd – who portrays her on-screen daughter Amy Mitchell. She posted: “Congratulations Rita and Ben.”
Rita’s character Roxy Mitchell met her demise alongside sister Ronnie in dramatic scenes back in 2017, and Rita was eager for her beloved co-stars to join her special celebration.
“We’re getting married in September, but I’m not going to say dates or where, but we’re very excited,” she revealed recently.
“Samantha Womack will be there, and I think Larry Lamb and Glynis Barber. Larry was my dad in the show, Glynis played my mum, and Samantha was my on-screen sister, Ronnie.”
Her twin daughters – Jaimee and Maiya – served as her bridesmaids. The 18 year old twins are from her former relationship with ex-husband, hairdresser Theo Silveston, from whom she separated in 2020.
Discussing her daughters’ involvement, she enthused: “Yes, they will. It will be a very glitzy wedding.”
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