EastEnders fans emotional as Anita Dobson returned to soap

Anita Dobson returned to Walford as her beloved character Angie Watts and revealed she only told her husband about her surprise reappearance.

Despite showing her face and discussing the past 40 years in the EastEnders documentary hosted by Ross Kemp earlier this week, fans had no idea she’d be returning to her role.

Shown in the form of a vision, she appeared in The Queen Vic wearing the original outfit her character wore in 1985 - a striped shirt and blazer - to support her daughter, Sharon Watts, who was shown fighting for her life following an explosion in the pub.

The secret is out! What a moment, what a reunion! ????❤️ Sooo much love for these two! #EastEnders #EE40 @BBC @BBCiPlayer @BBCOne pic.twitter.com/fejP8tLiWQ

— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) February 19, 2025

In an interview with the BBC, Dobson said she told only her husband, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May, about her return to the soap.

“I obviously told Brian, but I honestly haven’t told anybody!” she said.

“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!”

Despite being away from Walford for 37 years, she said returning as Angie Watts was second nature to her and being able to work with Letitia Dean, who plays Sharon Watts, was “incredibly emotional in a lovely, happy way”.

Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders executive producer, added: “Angie Watts is undoubtedly one of EastEnders most formidable and iconic landladies.

“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.”

EastEnders fans emotional and shocked to see Anita Dobson return

EastEnders shared some pictures to X of Anita Dobson on set with the caption: “The secret is out! What a moment, what a reunion! Sooo much love for these two!”

Taking to X, one fan replied to the post: “This was probably the best moment in EastEnders history!!! I was screaming!!”

Tonight, after 37 years away, Anita Dobson returned to #EastEnders in honour of its 40th anniversary to reprise her legendary role of Angie Watts. Head here for more info ➡️ https://t.co/DS8oR5EZfT @BBC @BBCOne @BBCiPlayer pic.twitter.com/qOSqR3TUOl

— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) February 19, 2025

Another said: “This was so emotional. What a thrill to see Angie!!!”

Someone else commented on how Angie looked in the episode: “How on earth does Anita Dobson still look the same as 40 years ago?!”

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This person was amazed that the secret had been kept: “That was amazing, how on earth did they keep that secret?”

Another fan suggested they had wondered if Anita’s character would return: “I did wonder if they’d do that with her mum and dad!”

This fan was glad Anita agreed to returning: “Angie Watts will always be my character of EastEnders. I am so glad that Anita Dobson finally returned to the show for the first time in 37 years just in time to celebrate 40 years of the show.”

EastEnders continues at 7.30pm on BBC One on Thursday, February 20.