EastEnders Angie Watts returns from the dead after 37 years

In a twist literally none of us expected, Anita Dobson has reprised her role as the iconic Angie Watts in EastEnders’ anniversary episode. The instalment opened with the Walford residents dealing with the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion. Trapped inside were the likes of Ravi (Aaron Thiara), Stacey (Lacey Turner) and Martin (James Bye). Ravi managed to smash a window which meant multiple characters could escape, but still a number of faces were trapped inside.

As Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) went into labour, people outside realised Sharon (Letitia Dean) wasn’t outside of the pub. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.

Up Next. She remained trapped under some rubble and unable to move. For a while, fans of the BBC One soap feared it would be the end of the beloved face. And then, so perfectly timed, Angie Watts appeared. She urged her daughter to scream for help, and Sharon did just that, eventually prompting Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) to save her from the building.

‘I obviously told Brian, but I honestly haven’t told anybody!’, Anita smiled as she pondered over keeping this huge secret. ‘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 bring 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.’.

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Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers!. Reflecting on working alongside Letitia Dean again, star Anita Dobson explained: ‘Like stepping back into warm water. It was absolutely lovely. That’s what clinched it for me.

‘When they initially asked if I would come back when I was filming for the documentary, I wasn’t really thinking of the whole picture at first, and then when they said Letitia had said that she’d like me to do it with her, I thought “oh my god, I can’t say no to seeing my baby again.” It was very emotional. Incredibly emotional in a lovely, happy way.

‘Working together again was seamless. We didn’t really think about it, or talk about it, or even rehearse it that much because we just did it. It was lovely. She’s a gorgeous human being and a lovely little actress.’. Arrow MORE: Every EastEnders character still inside The Queen Vic when it exploded in horrifying stunt.

Arrow MORE: EastEnders fans ‘work out’ who is dead in colossal Queen Vic disaster. Arrow MORE: EastEnders legend Letitia Dean told a sneaky lie to land the role of Sharon Watts. All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy.