EastEnders 40th Anniversary: Anita Dobson Returns as Angie Watts
Image credits: BBC
Anita Dobson has made a surprise return to EastEnders, reprising her iconic role as Angie Watts in honour of the show's 40th anniversary. The actress, 75, who last appeared in the soap more than 37 years ago, played the landlady of the Queen Vic pub from 1985 to 1988. Her character, Angie, returned to the pub to visit her daughter, Sharon Watts, as she drifted in and out of consciousness while trapped under rubble after an explosion during Wednesday's episode. Dobson said she kept her return a closely guarded secret, telling only her husband, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May.
As EastEnders hits four decades on our screens, the BBC went on set at Albert Square to talk to the soap's stars about how it's celebrating its birthday. The return of Angie Watts was a fitting tribute to the show's rich history, with Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders' executive producer, praising Watts's "formidable" and "iconic" character. Despite having been away from Walford for over three decades, Dobson said stepping back into Angie's shoes felt natural, with the character being "inside me, and she always will be". The iconic character's return was a surprise to fans, with many taking to social media to express their excitement and nostalgia.
The setting for the return - not just the Queen Vic pub itself, but the fact that she approached an injured Sharon on the wreckage of the stairs of the Queen Vic pub - was a clever move, as those stairs were not just the setting of Angie's most iconic moment, but many an emotional moment from Angie's tenure. The emotional reunion between Angie and Sharon was a tearjerker, with Angie urging her daughter to fight and keep going. The moment was a testament to the powerful storytelling of EastEnders, which has been a staple of British television for decades.
In celebration of EastEnders' 40th anniversary week, BBC News will provide live coverage of the special episode on Thursday, 20 February. Viewers will also have the chance to decide the romantic fate of Denise Fox, with a live vote taking place during the episode. The options for Denise's love life are:
- Reuniting with her estranged husband Jack Branning
- Reuniting with her secret lover Ravi Gulati
The return of Angie Watts is a reminder of the impact that EastEnders has had on British popular culture, with the show's history and characters continuing to captivate audiences to this day. As the show looks to the future, it's clear that it will continue to be a major player in the world of soap operas, with its talented cast and crew bringing new and exciting storylines to the screen. With its 40th anniversary celebrations in full swing, EastEnders is proving that it's still a force to be reckoned with in the world of television.
anita dobson watt angie eastender 40th anniversary repris soap belov
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