Samantha Womack’s ‘done deal’ with Strictly Come Dancing

Samantha Womack has "pretty much a done deal" with ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

The former ‘EastEnders’ star – who was known for playing businesswoman Ronnie Mitchell until she drowned in a pool on her wedding day last month – has been in talks with bosses about competing on the new series later this year and producers are almost certain that they’ll bag her when contracts are drawn up.

A source said "Sam didn’t want to do Strictly while on ‘EastEnders’ but now she has more time on her hands it was a very appealing offer. It’s too early for contracts but she’s keen and the show are keen so it’s pretty much a done deal."

Bosses were hoping to secure both Samantha and her former on-screen sister Rita Simons – who played Roxy Mitchell in the soap – for the ballroom and latin competition but the 39-year-old actress is keen to pursue gritty film roles instead.

Rita told The Sun newspaper: "I’m sticking my heels in and saying I want to be a gritty actor. I’m not knocking reality shows but it’s time for auditions and films."

It was reportedly decided that either Samantha or Rita would join the forthcoming line-up on the dance show following the backlash the BBC received when it was confirmed that both of their alter egos would be killed off over the New Year.

A source said recently: "It’s said that the BBC are well aware of the anger from ‘EastEnders’ fans when it was announced the girls were to be axed from their roles – so the powers that be are convinced that signing them up would prove to be a sure fire ratings winner for the new series."