Anita Dobson admits major EastEnders return took lots of persuasion and why she agreed to come back

The Sun

05-06-2025

ANITA Dobson has opened up on her shock EastEnders comeback for this year's 40th anniversary celebrations.
The legendary actress left fans gasping and open-mouthed when she made an unannounced return to the programme as Angie Watts in February of this year.
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As Sharon was left almost crushed in the horror Queen Vic explosion, she had a vision from mum Angie who appeared in a dream sequence to speak once more to her precious little girl.
Now, in an interview at the British Soap Awards, Anita has admitted that her grand soap return did take some persuasion as she wanted to ensure the scripts were top-notch before agreeing her comeback.
Chatting to The Sun alongside co-star Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale, Anita admitted: "It took a lot of talking because I wanted it to be right and I didn't want to do it if it wasn't going to actually work.
"So we did have a bit of chatting over the script and it just felt like the right time."
She also confirmed she would not be back for any future cameos as she revealed she viewed her one-off return as a final outing for Angie.
Anita said: "It was a nice way to say goodbye to Angie for me.
Her return as Angie was kept such a closely-guarded secret that even most of her co-stars were unaware it was happening until it aired on-screen in all its glory.
Co-star Gillian added to The Sun on the red carpet: "We knew nothing about the scene that she did with Tish [Dean, Sharon Watts].
"When we watched it, we all went, 'Wow, this is what the 40 th is all about! This icon coming back to our show!'
"Absolutely amazing, and I truly mean that."
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Anita's comeback proved all the worthwhile after it managed to bag the Soap Award for Scene Of The Year.
It was one of a whopping eight awards that EastEnders managed to pick up on the night amid their current soap dominance.
ITV's offerings Emmerdale and Coronation Street suffered badly, with the Dales-based soap taking home just two awards, with Corrie only being awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award prize.
Hollyoaks ended the night in second place after collecting a total of three gongs.
The British Soap Awards airs tonight at 8pm on ITV.
British Soap Awards 2025: Winners List
Here's who took home trophys at the 2025 British Soap Awards
Best Single Episode - Eastenders: Phil's Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985
Best Young Performer - Emmerdale - Amelia Flanagan as April Windsor
Scene Of The Year - Eastenders: Angie Watts' Shock Return
Best Newcomer - Hollyoaks: Isabelle Smith as Frankie Osborne
Villain Of The Year - Eastenders: Navin Chowdhry as Nish Panesar
Best Family - Hollyoaks: The Osbornes
Best Dramatic Performance - Eastenders: Steve McFadden as Phil
Mitchell
Best On-Screen Partnership - Eastenders: Rudolph Walker & Angela
Wynter as Patrick & Yolande Trueman
Outstanding Achievement Award - Coronation Street: David Neilson
Best Comedy Performance - Eastenders: Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson
The Tony Warren Award - Emmerdale: Mike Plant
Best Storyline - Hollyoaks: Sibling Sexual Abuse
Best Leading Performer - Eastenders: Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater
Best British Soap - Eastenders
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