Rita Simons has given social media followers their first health update after undergoing breast reduction surgery to alleviate a debilitating spinal issue.

The former EastEnders actress announced plans to have surgery in March, the latest step in her battle with scoliosis - a condition she was diagnosed with as a teenager. 

Simons had previously given up alcohol, sugar, cigarettes and vaping in order to be as fit as possible while tackling the condition - a sideways, three-dimensional curving of the spinal cord - but her symptoms ruled out conventional back surgery. 

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the actress, 49, revealed she was still bedridden but 'feeling fine' after undergoing the alternative, a breast reduction, with plastic surgeon Nigel Mabvuure at Manchester's Christie Hospital. 

'My first post op update,' she wrote. 'I haven’t felt like moving much until today, so bear with me… I’m very tired, but pain-wise I feel fine… little uncomfortable but really not a prob. More discomfort than anything …mainly just exhausted.

'Still craving my vape (of course ) but there’s no way I’m messing with my recovery. I already know my back is going to love me for this. The amount of weight that’s come off the front is insane.' 

Simons also shared pre-surgery pictures revealing the contour of her breasts while she modelled a loose fitting sweater.  

'The pink jumper pics are before — and that’s WITH a minimiser bra… just for context (afters coming later when I can get dressed!),' she wrote. 

'I actually can’t believe when I look down I don’t have these huge boulders attached to me anymore...  I’m obviously not posting booby pics on here, but I can already tell I’m SO happy with the result …and that’s while I’m still swollen and unhealed.' 

Simons previously said the 'pain' from having a large chest has exacerbated her battle with scoliosis after being diagnosed with the condition at the age of 19.

Taking to Instagram, the actress shared an X-ray of her back to show the curvature of her spine as she announced she would be getting a breast reduction.

'It's finally time to say goodbye to my massively annoying boobs,' she wrote.

Simons also confirmed she had quit vaping in preparation for her breast reduction.

'The pain they cause my back just isn't necessary anymore,' she added. 'This chapter seems to be about getting rid of everything that doesn't serve me… the womb, the alcohol, the sugar, the fags/vape…so let's do the boobs too. The boobs definitely do not serve me.

'Because of my particular scoliosis and the state of the rest of my back, I'm not a candidate for spinal surgery.

'My spine can't be "fixed", so my focus is on doing everything I can to reduce pain and slow the progression of the curves. They'll never be cured - so we work with what we've got.'

'I can't lie… pain relief aside, I'm also looking forward to not having the rib hump at the back and the two mountains at the front. Let's lose those mountains.

'I'm sharing this because adult scoliosis isn't talked about enough - and this is just one of the many curveballs women with scoliosis can experience.

'I'll keep you posted and as always Thanku for all the lovely messages!' [sic]

In February 2021, the actress - a parent to twin girls Jaimee and Maiya, 20, with her ex-husband, Theo Silverston - said she was in a 'whole world of pain' because of scoliosis.

She said at the time: 'I hate my scoliosis with a passion. It's definitely getting worse and it makes everything I wear weird. I had an X-ray not that long ago and my spine is a big old S now, and I'm in a whole world of pain most of the time.

'I work out everyday and I'm so grateful I have a gym at home. It's so important to keep training when you have scoliosis - but in the right way. 

'I do loads of strengthening and physio for the curve in my spine and it keeps me out of pain when I'm strict with my training.'