EASTENDERS ‘gave away’ show legend Anita Dobson’s surprise return – but did you spot the clue?
In Wednesday’s special one-hour episode, Anita reprised her iconic role as Angie Watts for the first time in 37 years.
EastEnders viewers were stunned by Angie Watts’ shock return[/caption]
Angie was one of the soap’s original characters and first landlady of the Vic[/caption]
EastEnders left a subtle hint in scenes aired last month[/caption]
She appeared to daughter Sharon (Letitia Dean), who lay trapped following the Queen Vic’s explosion.
However, the BBC soap actually hinted at their big surprise much earlier.
In scenes aired last month, Denise Fox (Diane Parish) told Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) about a customer at her salon Fox & Hair.
She said: “I’ve got Ms Dobson in for a wash and cut first thing.”
Later in the conversation, Denise added: “I better get ready for Mrs Dobson then.”
Viewers were stunned to see Angie return after her off-screen death in 2002.
She was one of the BBC soap’s original characters and first landlady of the Queen Vic.
Sharon saw a hallucination of her mum, who begged her to start screaming for help.
Angie told her: “Use that voice and you start screaming for help. “That’s it baby, you start screaming for help. That’s my girl.”
Sharon’s ex-husband Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) heard her cries and got her to safety.
Writing on X, a viewer penned: “I can’t believe we got her back, even if only for a moment. And wearing her first-ever dressed-up outfit too. After all this time, Angie Watts came home!!!”
Another added: “It was like she never left! Sobbing.”
EastEnders boss 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.”
EastEnders’ 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford’s past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
Meanwhile, Anita revealed she only told one person – Queen legend husband Brian May – about her huge secret.
She added: “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!”
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
Angie appeared as vision to her daughter Sharon[/caption]
