EastEnders return brought 'closure' - Anita Dobson

Anita Dobson returned for the show's 40th anniversary

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.

The Surrey actress, who last appeared in the soap more than 37 years ago, played the landlady of the Queen Vic pub between 1985 and 1988.

Speaking on BBC Radio Surrey and Sussex, she said: "I had a little think about it and then I thought, well, it's kind of really good closure for Angie Watts and for me."

In the episode, Angie returned to the pub to visit her daughter, Sharon Watts, as she drifted in and out of consciousness while trapped under rubble after an explosion.

Dobson said she received a call about a potential return shortly before Christmas and only told her husband, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May.

"We were sworn to silence. We'd be shot if we divulged any information," she said.

The actress said she had to be "smuggled" into the studio to keep her return a secret.

The actress played the landlady of the Queen Vic pub between 1985 and 1988

Dobson said although she returned to the set while on Strictly Come Dancing in 2011, it felt different this time around.

She added: "It was like walking back into a swimming pool of warm water.

"Everybody was so welcoming and so kind. I really enjoyed every moment of it."

The actress, who kept the outfit from her first appearance and wore it on her return, said it was "a real gift" to be able to come back.