Latest news with #AngieWatts
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Anita Dobson admits major EastEnders return took lots of persuasion and why she agreed to come back
ANITA Dobson has opened up on her shock EastEnders comeback for this year's 40th anniversary celebrations. The legendary actress left fans gasping and open-mouthed when she made an unannounced return to the programme as Angie Watts in February of this year. 5 5 As Sharon was left almost crushed in the horror Queen Vic explosion, she had a vision from mum Angie who appeared in a dream sequence to speak once more to her precious little girl. Now, in an interview at the British Soap Awards, Anita has admitted that her grand soap return did take some persuasion as she wanted to ensure the scripts were top-notch before agreeing her comeback. Chatting to The Sun alongside co-star Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale, Anita admitted: "It took a lot of talking because I wanted it to be right and I didn't want to do it if it wasn't going to actually work. "So we did have a bit of chatting over the script and it just felt like the right time." She also confirmed she would not be back for any future cameos as she revealed she viewed her one-off return as a final outing for Angie. Anita said: "It was a nice way to say goodbye to Angie for me. Her return as Angie was kept such a closely-guarded secret that even most of her co-stars were unaware it was happening until it aired on-screen in all its glory. Co-star Gillian added to The Sun on the red carpet: "We knew nothing about the scene that she did with Tish [Dean, Sharon Watts]. "When we watched it, we all went, 'Wow, this is what the 40 th is all about! This icon coming back to our show!' "Absolutely amazing, and I truly mean that." Patsy Kensit breaks silence on EastEnders role and begs for a soap return after confessing it was her 'dream job' Anita's comeback proved all the worthwhile after it managed to bag the Soap Award for Scene Of The Year. It was one of a whopping eight awards that EastEnders managed to pick up on the night amid their current soap dominance. ITV's offerings Emmerdale and Coronation Street suffered badly, with the Dales-based soap taking home just two awards, with Corrie only being awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award prize. Hollyoaks ended the night in second place after collecting a total of three gongs. The British Soap Awards airs tonight at 8pm on ITV. British Soap Awards 2025: Winners List Here's who took home trophys at the 2025 British Soap Awards Best Single Episode - Eastenders: Phil's Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985 Best Young Performer - Emmerdale - Amelia Flanagan as April Windsor Scene Of The Year - Eastenders: Angie Watts' Shock Return Best Newcomer - Hollyoaks: Isabelle Smith as Frankie Osborne Villain Of The Year - Eastenders: Navin Chowdhry as Nish Panesar Best Family - Hollyoaks: The Osbornes Best Dramatic Performance - Eastenders: Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell Best On-Screen Partnership - Eastenders: Rudolph Walker & Angela Wynter as Patrick & Yolande Trueman Outstanding Achievement Award - Coronation Street: David Neilson Best Comedy Performance - Eastenders: Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson The Tony Warren Award - Emmerdale: Mike Plant Best Storyline - Hollyoaks: Sibling Sexual Abuse Best Leading Performer - Eastenders: Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater Best British Soap - Eastenders 5 5
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders' Anita Dobson addresses 'very weird and emotional' return to BBC soap
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. 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. 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. "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."
The Independent
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
EastEnders icon makes shock return 37 years after last appearance in 40th anniversary special
Former EastEnders actress Anita Dobson has shocked fans with a surprise return to show, 37 years after her last appearance. Dobson, 75, played Queen Vic pub barmaid Angie Watts from 1985 to 1987, starring in the first ever episode of the BBC soap, and returned to screens tonight (19 February) as part of the show's 40th anniversary storyline. Angie was seen appearing in a hallucination by her daughter Sharon (Letitia Dean), who was trapped in debris after the Queen Vic was destroyed in a gas explosion. Dobson left EastEnders in 1988 after starring one of the most-watched soap storylines in British television history - 30.1m viewers tuned in to watch Angie Watts serve her husband Den with divorce papers on Christmas Day 1986.
