EastEnders icon Anita Dobson has shared the sad reason she thinks a return to the soap isn’t on the cards.
The actress, 74, played Queen Vic owner Angie Watts on the iconic BBC soap right from its very first episode in 1985. And during her stint in Albert Square, she had some rather memorable storylines.
More than 30 million viewers tuned in on Christmas Day 1986 to watch Angie get served with divorce papers from husband Den (Leslie Grantham). The episode is one of the most-watched broadcasts ever, behind the likes of Princess Diana’s funeral.
READ MORE: Want more showbiz? Daily Star has just the thing for you!
READ MORE: Want more showbiz? Daily Star has just the thing for you!
However, in 1988, Anita said goodbye to the square and left EastEnders. But despite being a favourite on the soap and having fond memories of her time on the series, it seems a comeback isn’t on the cards for Anita.
(Image: BBC)
Speaking on Lorraine on Friday (December 22) Anita recalled the iconic scene with Den. She told stand-in host Louise Minchin: “I knew when we were filming it that it was a great scene, the relationship was really good between us.
“I didn’t realise the impact that we would have on the public and to this day I’m thrilled. I love the fact that everybody took the Watts to their hearts.”
(Image: BBC)
But despite the love for her character, Anita has ruled out returning, as she claims she is “too old.” She explained: “I don’t think I could [go back] at my old age, I’m too old now! Everybody nearly has gone!”
During her time on the soap, Anita also landed a top ten hit with Anyone Can Fall In Love – a song based on the EastEnders theme music – in 1986.
However, the moment with the divorce papers became one of the soap’s most memorable scenes, with Anita saying that the impact of the story even led fans to follow her home.
(Image: Getty Images)
Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here.
“I didn’t know what had hit me. People were following me home in cars, I couldn’t go to pubs or supermarkets or walk down the street,” Anita once told The Mirror.
After the character left in the late eighties she was mentioned off-screen numerous times. However, in 2002, Angie died off-screen.
From there she has not left our screens, appearing in Red Dward, Split Ends, Hotel Babylon, The Bill, Doctor Who, Casualty, The Rebel. She also had a stint on the 2011 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
For more of the latest showbiz and TV news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up for one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
