Anita Dobson has said returning to EastEnders to play Angie Watts brought closure for both her and the character. Dobson made a surprise return on Wednesday as she reprised her iconic role in honour of the show's 40th anniversary.

On its 40th anniversary, EastEnders gave us a true old-fashioned television watercooler moment: the soap delivered the return of a true television icon: the original Queen Vic landlady, Angie Watts, played by actress Anita Dobson.

Anita Dobson became a household name playing Angie Watts on BBC's EastEnders and despite only being in the role three years, she created a huge legacy

EastEnders legend Anita Dobson has returned to the BBC soap as her iconic character Angie Watts during the shows 40th anniversary episode.

BBC's EastEnders Cindy Beale actress Michelle Collins, 62, has revealed the jaw-dropping return of Albert Square legend Angie Watts was as surprising to her as it was to the fans of the soap. The series has been celebrating its 40th anniversary this week, and its kept audiences on the edge of their seats with shocking twists and turns.

The actress, who last appeared in the soap more than 37 years ago, played the role of a landlady at the Queen Vic pub.

In a twist literally none of us expected, Anita Dobson has reprised her role as the iconic Angie Watts in EastEnders’ anniversary episode. The instalment opened with the Walford residents dealing with the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion.