EastEnders fans were left stunned and delighted as Anita Dobson made a sensational return to the iconic BBC soap in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
The actress reprised her legendary role as Angie Watts, appearing in a vision to her on-screen daughter, Sharon Watts, played by Letitia Dean.
The emotional cameo was a nostalgic nod to one of the show’s most beloved characters,
and Dobson revealed she kept the secret under wraps, telling only her husband, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May.
A Surprise Comeback in Classic Angie Fashion
In an unexpected yet thrilling moment, Dobson’s Angie Watts made a ghostly return during a high-stakes episode that saw The Queen Vic engulfed in chaos following an explosion.
Sharon, trapped and struggling for survival, was visited by the vision of her late mother, who urged her to fight for her life. To make the moment even more special, Dobson was dressed in the same outfit Angie wore in 1985—a striped shirt and blazer—bringing a wave of nostalgia to long-time viewers of the show.
Speaking to the BBC about her brief but powerful return, Dobson admitted it was a challenge to keep the news a secret.
“I obviously told Brian, but I honestly haven’t told anybody!” she shared. “It’s been really hard because so many people that I’m really close to have said, ‘Oh, are you going back?’ since I had gone back to do the documentary. But I’ve been a really good girl and I’ve kept my little mouth shut because I didn’t want there to be any spoilers!”
Stepping Back into Angie’s Shoes
Despite being away from the soap for over 30 years, Dobson found slipping back into her role as Angie Watts to be as natural as ever. She described the experience as deeply emotional, particularly being able to work alongside Letitia Dean once again.
“It was incredibly emotional in a lovely, happy way,” she said. “Letitia and I have always had a great bond, so to share this moment with her was really special.”
Angie Watts was one of the most formidable characters in EastEnders’ history. The fiery and troubled landlady of The Queen Vic was a cornerstone of the show’s early years, particularly known for her volatile relationship with her husband, Den Watts. Their dramatic storyline, culminating in Den handing Angie divorce papers on Christmas Day in 1986, remains one of the most-watched moments in British soap history.
A Dream Cameo for EastEnders’ 40th Anniversary
Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders’ executive producer, revealed that securing Dobson’s return was at the top of their wish list when planning the show’s milestone anniversary celebrations.
“Angie Watts is undoubtedly one of EastEnders’ most formidable and iconic landladies,” Clenshaw said. “Since the very first episode, Anita instantly created a character that the audience adored. She not only shaped EastEnders into the show it is today but also had a huge impact on British television. Anita was, of course, top of our ultimate wish list when we were discussing what we would love to include in our special anniversary week, so it was the best birthday present we could ever receive when she said yes.”
The brief yet poignant return of Angie Watts was a fitting tribute to the show’s enduring legacy, and fans were thrilled to see the legendary character back, even if only for a moment. The emotional impact of Angie’s words of encouragement to Sharon resonated deeply, reminding viewers of the rich history and deep connections that have made EastEnders a staple of British television.
Fans React to Angie’s Emotional Return
Social media was flooded with reactions as fans expressed their excitement over Dobson’s unexpected return. Many viewers reminisced about Angie’s unforgettable moments and praised the show for bringing back such an iconic character in a meaningful way.
One fan tweeted, “Seeing Angie Watts back in The Queen Vic gave me chills! What a perfect tribute to 40 years of #EastEnders.” Another wrote, “Anita Dobson is an absolute legend. The fact that she kept this secret for so long makes it even better!”
Dobson’s return for EastEnders’ 40th anniversary was a reminder of the soap’s rich history and its ability to pull at the heartstrings of its loyal audience. While Angie Watts may have passed on decades ago, her spirit remains a defining part of Walford’s story.
With the show continuing to celebrate its milestone anniversary, fans can only wonder what other surprises EastEnders has in store. But one thing is certain—Anita Dobson’s return as Angie Watts will go down as one of the most unforgettable moments in the soap’s history.
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