EastEnders’ Anita Dobson addresses ‘very weird and emotional’ return to BBC soap
Anita Dobson has opened up about her recent return to EastEnders as she admitted that it was 'very weird' playing former Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts after 37 years
Former EastEnders star Anita Dobson has shared her feelings about her poignant return to the BBC soap, confessing it felt odd to be back on set.
The 75 year old actress, who is fondly remembered for her role as the legendary Angie Watts, recently graced Albert Square once more for the show’s milestone anniversary episode.
She originally portrayed the Queen Vic’s inaugural landlady from the very first broadcast in 1985 and left the scene three years on.
In a touching tribute to EastEnders’ 40th anniversary, Anita made an emotional cameo during the hour-long special, sharing a tear-jerking moment with her on-screen daughter Sharon – a staggering 37 years since she last stepped into Angie’s shoes.
After her brief appearance, Anita joined the Monday (May 19) edition of BBC The One Show, where presenter Roman Kemp was quick to delve into her nostalgic visit to Walford,, reports Belfast Live.
The actress appeared on BBC The One Show on Monday night(Image: BBC)
Roman dove straight in with his question: “You got the opportunity to reprise your role in the 40th anniversary. What was that like getting back there?”
Anita opened up: “It was weird, very emotional and it was absolutely lovely. It was like stepping into a bath of warm water, warm bubbled water.”
She continued: “Everyone was gorgeous to me and it was wonderful working with Letitia (Dean) again, who plays Sharon and I couldn’t believe I got back into the costume – the original costume. I’m very proud of that.”
Angie Watts, Anita’s character, met her end off-screen due to alcohol poisoning in 2002, but she made a spectral comeback to interact with her daughter Sharon, portrayed by Letitia Dean.
Anita Dobson recently made a surprise return as the iconic Angie Watts for the soap’s special anniversary episode(Image: BBC)
In a heart-wrenching scene, Angie visited Sharon, pleading with her to cry out for help as she lay pinned beneath a broken staircase.
The emotional scene featured Angie looking remarkably youthful, sporting her signature brown curls and red lipstick.
Regarding the decision to revive Angie Watts for the 40th anniversary, EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw stated: “Angie Watts is undoubtedly one of EastEnders most formidable and iconic landlady’s.
Anita played the Queen Vic’s first landlady from the show’s very first episode in 1985(Image: BBC)
“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. “.
He added: “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 walk through the doors of The Queen Victoria, 40 years to the day she made her first appearance in Walford, is a moment we will always treasure as we celebrate this show that has played such a significant role in British television. Happy birthday EastEnders.”
