Samantha Womack Shares Emotional Truth About EastEnders Exit As Fans React to Emmerdale Boyfriend’s Role

EastEnders star Samantha Womack has revealed that she often gets approached by strangers who feel the need to “warn” her — all because of her partner’s role on Emmerdale.

Samantha, who earned widespread love for portraying Ronnie Mitchell on the BBC One soap, opened up about both her past exit from EastEnders and her real-life relationship with actor Oliver Farnworth, who currently plays John Sugden, a dark and intense character on Emmerdale.

“I do get warned about him,” Samantha told The Sun, speaking about Oliver’s intense on-screen persona.

The recent Countryfile episode that stirred controversy is not the only drama drawing viewer reactions — Emmerdale fans have been vocal about John Sugden’s storylines and complex behavior.

Despite his TV character’s dramatic story arcs, Samantha describes Oliver as very reserved when it comes to sharing plot secrets:

“He’s actually so strict about confidentiality. He comes back every few days and won’t tell me anything. I’ll say, ‘Come on, I’m not going to tell anybody,’ but he won’t budge.”

She continued:

“I really think this is one of his favourite jobs to date. I visited the set and it’s beautiful. They have rolling hills and cute cottages — it’s very different to EastEnders.”

The couple currently live in Spain, having first grown close in 2019 while working together on The Girl on the Train.

“It Felt Like Losing a Family”: Samantha Talks About Her EastEnders Departure

Samantha also recently opened up about her unexpected departure from EastEnders, admitting that it was not something she or her co-stars planned.

“It was really hard for us because it wasn’t in our hands. We didn’t make the decision to go,” she said in an interview with The Mail.

“I don’t really understand what happened — one producer was leaving, another was coming in, and I don’t know what went on.”

The actress added that the experience left her with a deep emotional void:

“At the time it felt like bereavement. It felt like losing a family member. It was like losing family and losing stability.”

She reflected on the strong bond with co-star Rita Simons, who played her on-screen sister Roxy:

“The most painful part — and it really was painful — was that me and Rita loved feeling like we belonged there. Then to be pushed out — and I know that sounds emotional, but that’s what it was — it hit us both so hard.”

Although the experience was difficult at the time, Samantha has since come to terms with it and found new opportunities:

“In hindsight, I’m thankful. It allowed me to do other things.”

A Tale of Two Soaps: Fame in Different Regions

Samantha also reflected on how public recognition changes depending on where she and Oliver travel:

“He gets a lot of attention when we go up north because of Emmerdale, but when we’re down south, everyone knows me from EastEnders. It totally changes depending on where we are.”

Before stepping into soap stardom, Samantha, now 52, represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. Her long career has brought her both fame and resilience — and now, she and Oliver are continuing to build their next chapter, both on and off screen.