Over the past 36 years, EastEnders star Letitia Dean has become one of the most familiar faces on British television.
During her many years on the BBC soap she has cemented her place as an icon of Albert Square and one of the most recognisable soap stars in television history.
Known as “Queen Sharon” to fans, the 53-year-old from Potters Bar in Hertfordshire graced the square as an original cast member from the very first episode which broadcast in February 1985.
She remained in the role until 1995 and then reprised the role from 2001 to 2006, before making an epic comeback in 2012.
(Image: BBC/Nicky Johnston)
Fans of the soap will feel like they know Sharon inside-out as the blonde bombshell has seen it all.
From that scandalous affair with the Mitchell brothers during the 90s, known as Sharongate, to trying to kill Ian Beale and the loss of her son Denny – there’s nothing that Sharon hasn’t been involved in.
But away from the Square, how much do we actually know about legendary TV star Letitia Dean?
Daily Star has decided to take a look at the soap icon’s star-studded love life, fruitful acting career and impressive net worth.
Born in Hertfordshire, Letitia and her brother Stephen joined The Sylvia Mitchell School of Dance as children before joining the esteemed Italia Conti Academy Theatre Arts at 10 years old.
(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
In her early teens, she became a professional performer and landed roles on other hit shows including Brookside and Grange Hill.
Appearing alongside Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) on EastEnders spin-off show Secrets from the Square last year, Letitia revealed she lied to producers to get her role as Sharon Watts.
Letitia said: “I don’t really remember the audition that much.
“I know there were quite a few recalls. They were looking far and wide.”
But there was a major problem as one of the biggest requirements to land a role in the show was that the producers were looking for real Cockneys – people from East London who have a cockney accent.
(Image: WireImage)
Letitia continued: “We had to be born ‘within the sound of Bow bells’,” before adding: “I told a porky!”
And Letitia, who was born in Hertfordshire, was a long way off from living in the traditional streets of the East End.
She added: “I said my parents had to go and work away, and I was staying with somebody in ‘the sound of Bow bells’.
“I do remember getting the job and getting the call. I remember that quite clearly. It was just so exciting.”
In terms of her love life, Letitia has tended to keep her relationships rather private, preferring not to discuss her partners in the public eye.
(Image: GC Images)
However, in 2001 she hit the headlines when it was revealed she was engaged to Jason Pethers, who is perhaps best known for portraying Rob Greening in Holby City.
The pair married in 2002 but it wasn’t meant to be for the TV stars as they split in 2007.
The EastEnders star was taking part in series five of Strictly Come Dancing at the time of her split, and she still managed to make it to fourth place in the competition.
Jason’s mum Joan said the couple decided to split because Letitia wanted children, while her husband preferred to wait before watching their family grow, reports The Daily Mirror.
(Image: WireImage)
She said: “They both wanted children, but Jason wanted to wait until he could afford it. She had a lot more money than him. I think, like any man, he wanted to look after his wife.
“They were happy. It was no dramatic thing – they haven’t found someone else. I guess they just fell out of love for the time being.”
However, since their separation, Letitia has yet to go public with another romance.
After a lucrative career on both the screen and stage, you might be wondering how much dosh our Sharon Watts has lying in the bank.
Along with her part as Sharon Watts on EastEnders actor Letitia has taken to the stage in a number of pantomimes, and she even has a special clause in her contract along with Steve McFadden that allows them to take time off to perform in seasonal productions.
Following on from her long-running, successful career across television and pantomime, Celebrity Net Worth puts the star’s fortune at an estimated £6.5million.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
