Anita Dobson’s iconic bar owner Angie Watts, made her first appearance since the 1980s on Wednesday night
EastEnders star Kellie Bright has revealed that she ‘had no idea’ that Angie Watts was going to appear in the show’s anniversary special, after teasing Danny Dyer’s return earlier in the week.
Wednesday night’s (February 19) hour-long episode saw the shock return of Anita Dobson’s iconic bar owner Angie, who made her first appearance since the 1980s in a moment fans have been wanting for decades.
The stunning cameo arrived as Sharon had a vision of her mum while she was trapped under debris following the devastating explosion at the Queen Vic.
With fans fearing the worst for Sharon, Angie urged her daughter to use her voice and shout for help in a moment no one watching at home saw coming.
Also taken back by the moment was Kellie Bright, who plays Linda on the BBC soap, who took to an Instagram with a video exclaiming her shock after she shared a picture of Angie earlier in the day.
“Just like many other people I watched the EastEnders 40th anniversary special and there she was in all her glory. I had no idea when I posted that picture today that Angie Watts was going to make an appearance.
“I am blown away. I hope you enjoyed tonight’s ep, I bloody did,” she said.
Sharing more of her thoughts, Kellie captioned the post: “ANGIE WATTS!!!!!! What a Queeeeeeeeen!!!! Thank you @chris_clenshaw and @bbceastenders you have MADE MY HEART SOAR.”
EastEnders fans rushed to the comments section of Kellie’s post to have their say on the moment, with @tommytank99 saying: “OMG they kept it secret from the cast too? You Steve and Paul were outstanding.”
@xo.gracec.xo commented: The biggest surprise ever, was not expecting her at all. What an episode, love how it was kept secret from everyone too, makes her appearance even more special.” @music.fil.tv added: “A lot of crying tonight. Angie! And the scenes with Linda/Phil/Nigel were so powerful. Thank you for this storyline. It is so important and has been handled beautifully.”
While @simone_uk_1999 wrote: “How you feel about Angie is how I feel about you as a character and an actress in general. I grew up watching you in the upper hand and 20 years later, you’re my favourite in EastEnders with Phil! You are a true EastEnders legend!”
Kellie, who helped Phil get help from mental health processionals in Wednesday’s episode, posted a picture to her Instagram story on Monday (February 17) of her and Danny Dyer, which may have hinted at his return.
“Feels like a lifetime ago and yet also feels like yesterday. Won’t ever be the same without you @officialdannydyer,” Kellie said.
Danny Dyer, who played Mick Carter on the soap for nine years, departed Albert Square on Christmas Day in 2022 in storyline that saw his and Linda rekindle their love.
It remains unclear three years on if Mick is still alive after attempting to rescue Linda from the sea after their car plunged off a cliff in Dover. While he is presumed dead, it’s not unlike EastEnders for a character to return from the dead!
