Anita Dobson has spoken out on her epic return to EastEnders during the show’s 40th anniversary week. She reprised the role of beloved character Angie Watts in honour of the BBC soap’s huge milestone.

And she has now revealed she told only her famous husband about her surprise reappearance. Shown in the form of a vision, she appeared in The Queen Vic wearing the original outfit her character wore in 1985, which comprising a striped shirt and blazer, to support her daughter, Sharon Watts, who was shown fighting for her life following an explosion in the pub.

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 more than 30 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”.

She shared of working with Letitia again: “Like stepping back into warm water. It was absolutely lovely. That’s what clinched it for me. When they initially asked if I would come back when I was filming for the documentary, I wasn’t really thinking of the whole picture at first, and then when they said Letitia had said that she’d like me to do it with her, I thought ‘oh my god, I can’t say no to seeing my baby again.’

“It was very emotional. Incredibly emotional in a lovely, happy way. Working together again was seamless. We didn’t really think about it, or talk about it, or even rehearse it that much because we just did it. It was lovely. She’s a gorgeous human being and a lovely little actress!”

Angie Watts, who was played by Anita Dobson in the 1980s, made a return to screens(Image: BBC)

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.”

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When her return aired on screen on Wednesday night (February 19), EastEnders fans rushed to social media to respond. @benjaminavelcro screamed: “ANGIE F***ING WATTS IN 2025!!!” as @madgekin posted: “ANGIE WATTS??? HELL YEAH WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE OH MY GOD.”

@cosmictradegy commented: “the ghost of angie watts oh my days.” @kaysiemay7 penned: “F***ING ANGIE WATTS IM SCREAMING.” @pipjcee added: “What a genius way of bringing back Angie Watts!! The wonderful Anita Dobson! #Eastenders.”