The actress, 75, played the Queen Vic's first landlady from the show's very first episode in 1985 before bowing out three-years later.
Anita Dobson, who portrayed the iconic character Angie Watts in *EastEnders*, made a surprise return for the show's 40th anniversary special. After 37 years, she reprised her role in a heart-wrenching scene where Angie appeared as a vision to her onscreen daughter Sharon, played by Letitia Dean. The emotional moment, set in the Queen Vic pub, saw Angie encouraging Sharon to scream for help, a scene that left viewers stunned and praising it as the "TV moment of the year." EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw highlighted the significance of her return, calling it a "legendary" addition to the anniversary celebration. Anita, who had previously said she was too old to return, worked hard to keep the surprise under wraps, only revealing it to her husband, Brian May. Her return marked a poignant tribute to her character and the show's enduring legacy.
