In the turbulent world of EastEnders, few characters have left as lasting an impact as Ronnie Mitchell. Played by the talented Samantha Womack, Ronnie became a household name — fierce, vulnerable, and iconic. Alongside her on-screen sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons), the Mitchell duo was one of the most beloved in EastEnders history. But in 2017, viewers were left stunned when both sisters met a tragic end, drowning on Ronnie’s wedding day.

Now, Samantha Womack is speaking out. And the truth? It wasn’t her choice.

In a raw and emotional interview, Womack admitted she felt rejected by EastEnders bosses — especially the new executive producer at the time, Sean O’Connor, who replaced fan-favorite Dominic Treadwell-Collins. O’Connor’s decision to kill off both Ronnie and Roxy sent shockwaves through the soap’s loyal fanbase, but behind the scenes, it devastated the actresses involved.

“It felt like a bereavement,” Samantha confessed. “We didn’t make the decision to go.”

Her words reveal a much deeper emotional wound than simply losing a role. Ronnie Mitchell wasn’t just a character — she was a part of Samantha’s identity for nearly a decade. Womack’s powerful portrayal had made her a fan favorite since her first appearance in 2007. The Mitchell sisters brought a balance of grit, glamour, and heart to the Square, often at the center of the most dramatic and emotional storylines.

So when the new producer took the reins and swiftly cut them from the show, it felt like more than a career shift. It felt like betrayal.

According to Womack, she and Rita Simons shared a deep sense of connection to EastEnders — and to the family environment it provided. Leaving under such harsh creative decisions left a scar.

“Me and Rita loved feeling like we belonged there… then to be rejected — and I know that’s emotional, but that’s what it was.”

Fans of the soap echoed her feelings. Many still claim it was one of the biggest mistakes EastEnders ever made. The double-death exit storyline, though packed with drama, left viewers angry and heartbroken. Ronnie and Roxy were more than just Mitchells — they were survivors, sisters, and storytellers of their time. Their bond was one of the strongest on the show. And to see them go together, tragically and permanently, felt like an injustice.

But through the pain, Samantha has found perspective. Time, as it often does, has offered clarity.

“I could still be there,” she said. “I was like getting a barnacle off a rock… I probably needed to be forced off at that time.”

Since leaving EastEnders, Womack has embraced change. She’s moved to Valencia, taken on prominent theatre roles, and stepped into a new chapter of her life. From The Girl on the Train to playing Morticia Addams on tour, she’s proven her versatility and resilience.

Still, the emotional toll of her sudden exit from EastEnders remains undeniable. Her story is one of artistic passion, emotional investment, and ultimately, feeling pushed aside by shifting industry politics.

In a world where actors give years of their lives to breathe life into beloved characters, Womack’s tale is a harsh reminder that loyalty doesn’t always go both ways. She didn’t walk away — she was walked out on.

And yet, fans still hold Ronnie Mitchell in their hearts. Her legacy lives on in every dramatic East End moment, every whispered mention of the Mitchells, and in the memory of two sisters who deserved so much more than a watery grave.

Samantha Womack may have been written out, but in the eyes of the audience, she’ll always be Ronnie Mitchell of Walford — strong, complex, and unforgettable.