Former EastEnders actress Anita Dobson has spoken about her emotional return to the BBC soap, admitting it felt strange to be back on set.
The 75-year-old, best known for playing the iconic Angie Watts, appeared again on Albert Square for the show’s 40th anniversary special.
Anita originally played the Queen Vic’s first landlady from the show’s debut in 1985 until her departure three years later.
For the anniversary episode, she made a heartfelt cameo, sharing a touching moment with her on-screen daughter Sharon, played by Letitia Dean—37 years after she last portrayed Angie.
Following her appearance, Anita appeared on BBC’s The One Show on May 19, where host Roman Kemp asked about her return.
She described the experience as “weird, very emotional, and absolutely lovely,” likening it to stepping into warm, bubbly water. She also praised the cast’s kindness and expressed pride in wearing the original costume again.
Angie Watts’ character died off-screen from alcohol poisoning in 2002 but was brought back briefly as a ghost to interact with Sharon in a powerful scene where Angie urges her daughter to seek help while trapped under a staircase.
The scene showed Angie looking youthful with her trademark brown curls and red lipstick.
EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw praised Angie Watts as one of the show’s most memorable landladies, highlighting Anita Dobson’s lasting impact on British television.
He added that having Anita back for the anniversary was a dream come true and described her return as a cherished moment in the show’s history, celebrating EastEnders’ significant role in TV over 40 years.