Letitia Dean to return to EastEnders

Original EastEnders actress Letitia Dean is to reprise her role of Sharon Rickman nee Watts in the BBC One soap opera.

Dean has often said she’d “Never say never” to returning to the series and the BBC are set to officially reveal shortly that the actress who has had a successful stage career since quitting Albert Square will return to the saga this year.

“I am really looking forward to being part of the EastEnders team again, as it has always been very close to my heart. I cannot wait to work with my old colleagues and see what is in store for Sharon.” Dean said.

Dean played Sharon Watts the spoilt brat to Den and Angie Watts who had adopted her some years before the show began in 1985. She was surrounded by troubles, from her alcoholic mother to the shady goings on of her father, and his overprotective slant towards her.

Traumas hit a peak when best friend Michelle revealed she was pregnant, to Sharon’s dad. There was further heartaches when Den was ‘murdered’ and later Angie departed for pastures new.

After numerous short romances love finally arrived in the forum of Grant Mitchell, however it wasn’t to last – especially when Sharon went off and had a fling with his brother Phil. The whole sordid affair revealed to a packed Queen Vic pub, as only fitting for the then queen of the Vic as she’d finally gained control of her parents pub a few years after their departures.

Sharon first waved farewell to Albert Square in 1995, but has since made several returns, some brief, some for longer spells.

From 2001 to 2004 and again from 2005 to 2006 Sharon was back in Walford and subjected to more troubles with the infamous return of her father Den, who hadn’t really died – he just faked it, an affair with her adoptive brother Dennis Rickman and then his murder. She also saw her father Den bumped off for a most finally second time by his then wife Chrissie. Sharon was last seen leaving Walford pregnant with deceased Dennis’ child.

“She’s had more comebacks than Frank Sinatra, but the fans love Sharon and her troubles.” Said Harvey Wear, spokesman for the unofficial Sharon Watts Appreciation Society, Penge.

Dean has said a number of times she would be keen to return to EastEnders, and was willing to take part in the 25^th celebrations in 2010 however she stated at the time the BBC hadn’t invited her to reprise the role, until now.

Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said: “I’m thrilled that Letitia is coming back home… Sharon is a real favourite amongst EastEnders’ fans and I for one can’t wait until she arrives back in the summer.”

Our soap expert Chris Stacey, who’s appeared on everything from 25 Years of Coronation Street to EastEnders Revealed, will be reviewing the past month in soaps tomorrow here on ATV Today.