BBC EastEnders icon Angie Watts returns from d.e.a.d after 37 years away from Walford
EastEnders legend Anita Dobson has returned to the BBC soap as her iconic character Angie Watts during the shows 40th anniversary episode.
EastEnders legen Anita Dobson has returned to Albert square as her famous character Angie Watts after 37 years away from the BBC soap.
The gripping episode opened with the Albert Square residents dealing with the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion. Trapped inside were the likes of Ravi (played by Aaron Thiara), Stacey (Lacey Turner), and Martin (James Bye).
Ravi managed to smash a window which meant multiple characters could escape, but left several lovals still trapped inside. As the infamous pub was burning down, Sharon (letitia Dean) began to lose consciousness as the Walford resident started hallucinating Angie Watts was speaking to her.
The infamous character told her to start screaming for help as she reassured her that it wasn’t her time to go just yet. Angie asked her: “You’re not giving up on us, are you Sharon? Hello, darling! I’ve missed you so much.
“I know baby and I wish I could just put my arms round you and give you a great big hug but it’s not time for us to be together yet darling.”
Anita Dobson has returned to EastEnders after 37 years away from the soap (Image: BBC/Pulse Films/Kieron McCarron)
When Sharon admits that she’s scared, Angie replied: “We’re all scared, aren’t we? Look at me – spent my whole life being scared. But you’ve got to keep fighting, Sharon.”
Spurred on by an imaginary Angie’s words, Sharon began calling for help – with Grant rushing in to rescue her out of the burning building.
Anita, 75, last appeared on EastEnders in 1988 as Angie Watts, one of the original soap characters who has been involved in some of the most iconic episodes in EastEnders history.
The original landlord and landlady of the Queen Vic, Angie and Den’s marriage captivated the nation – with over 30million tuning in on Christmas Day on 1986 to watch Den serve Angie divorce papers. Angie left Walford two years later, with the iconic character dying off-screen in 2002.
Speaking about her exciting return to the long-running show, Anita admitted that she struggled to keep her surprise role a secret. She told press: “I obviously told Brian, but I honestly haven’t told anybody!
“It’s been really hard because so many people that I’m really close to have said, ‘Oh, are you going back?’ because I’ve gone back to do the documentary, so it’s been so hard not to say anything.
“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!” Speaking about the decision to bing Angie back, albeit for a brief moment, producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Angie Watts is undoubtedly one of EastEnders most formidable and iconic landlady’s.
“Since the very first episode, Anita instantly created a character that the audience adored and 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.
“Watching Angie Watts grace the halls of The Queen Victoria, 40 years to the day she made her first appearance in Walford, is a day we will never forget as we all celebrate this show that has played such an important part in British television. Happy birthday EastEnders.”
