EastEnders actor Samantha Womack has reflected on her controversial exit, admitting that she felt “rejected” by the decision to axe her.

Womack and co-star Rita Simons played Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell, two fun-loving members of Albert Square’s most famous family who were at the centre of many major storylines.

The two were killed off on New Year’s Day 2017, where Ronnie’s wedding turned tragic as Roxy suffered a cocaine-induced heart attack in a swimming pool, and Ronnie drowned while trying to save her.

Speaking to MailOnline about the time she and Simons were told they were being axed, Womack said: “It was really hard for us because it wasn’t in our hands. We didn’t make the decision to go.

“I don’t really understand what happened – one producer was leaving and another was coming in. I don’t know what went on. At the time, it felt like bereavement. It felt like losing a family member. It was like losing family and losing stability.

“But the thing that was the most painful – and it really was painful – was that me and Rita loved feeling like we belonged there, and then to be rejected, and I know that’s emotional, but that’s what it was. It hit us both so hard.”

She has since found the positive in her departure, stating that if Ronnie hadn’t been killed off, she might still be on the soap rather than living in Valencia as she does now.

The news that Simons is departing fellow soap Hollyoaks later this year has renewed talk about a Ronnie and Roxy comeback, and while Womack likes the idea, she’s not so sure about the practicalities of it.

“The fanbase for Ronnie and Roxy is extraordinary,” she said. “They still to this day go loopy when they hear there’s any sort of chance we could come back.

“I don’t know [how we’d come back]. The only way is that they could possibly say that we didn’t actually die. I don’t know.”

She added: “It’s a big commitment. I know only too well what those working days are like. But I have a strong affection for the show, I love everyone there and I miss everyone there. I loved working with Rita. It felt silly, it felt fun, we were controversial, we were naughty.”

Womack then said “never say never” to a return, stating: “I’m old enough and ugly enough to realise you never close the door on anything.”