Anita Dobson returns to EastEnders as Angie Watts for show’s 40th anniversary

Anita Dobson returned to EastEnders as her beloved character Angie Watts in honour of the show’s 40th anniversary and revealed she told only her husband about her surprise reappearance.

Shown in the form of a vision, she appeared in The Queen Vic wearing the original outfit her character wore in 1985, which comprising a striped shirt and blazer, to support her daughter, Sharon Watts, who was shown fighting for her life following an explosion in the pub.

In an interview with the BBC, Dobson said she told only her husband, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May, about her return to the soap.

“I obviously told Brian, but I honestly haven’t told anybody!” she said.

“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!”

Despite being away from Walford for more than 30 years, she said returning as Angie Watts was second nature to her and being able to work with Letitia Dean, who plays Sharon Watts, was “incredibly emotional in a lovely, happy way”.

Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders executive producer added: “Angie Watts is undoubtedly one of EastEnders most formidable and iconic landladies.

“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.”