EastEnders' Anita Dobson admits it was 'weird' returning to BBC soap in emotional scenes
EastEnders icon Anita Dobson returned to the BBC soap last week to reprise her role as Angie Watts in a heart-wrenching scene with onscreen daughter Sharon
Anita Dobson has reminisced about her poignant comeback to BBC EastEnders, describing her time back on set as both bizarre and emotional. The actress, 75, made an unexpected reappearance as the legendary Angie Watts for the programme's special anniversary episode.
She originally graced our screens as the Queen Vic's inaugural landlady from the soap's debut in 1985, exiting after three years. Marking four decades of EastEnders, she portrayed Angie once more in a touching scene with her on-screen daughter Sharon during the hour-long special, 37 years after she last embodied the iconic character.
Having wrapped up her fleeting return, Dobson joined the Monday (May 19) broadcast of BBC's The One Show where presenter Roman Kemp promptly probed her about her experience returning to Albert Square, reports Belfast Live.
Without delay, Kemp inquired: "You got the opportunity to reprise your role in the 40th anniversary. What was that like getting back there?"
To which Dobson confessed: "It was weird, very emotional and it was absolutely lovely. It was like stepping into a bath of warm water, warm bubbled water.
"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."
Though her character Angie met a tragic off-screen end due to alcohol poisoning in 2002, Dobson returned as a spectral figure for her on-screen daughter Sharon, performed by Letitia Dean.
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In a touching moment, Angie implored Sharon to cry out for assistance while she was pinned under a collapsed staircase.
Angie still looked remarkably youthful as she featured her iconic brunette curls and crimson lipstick in the heartrending scene.
EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw spoke about the decision to have Angie's return for the show's 40th-anniversary special, saying: "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."
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.
"Seeing Angie Watts roam the corridors of The Queen Victoria exactly 40 years after her debut in Walford will be an unforgettable day as we all commemorate this programme that has had such a significant role in British TV history. Happy birthday EastEnders."
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