Tracy-Ann Oberman is making a comeback to EastEnders as Chrissie Watts, almost two decades after her last appearance.
Chrissie Watts, who was last seen on the show in December 2005, went to jail for the murder of her husband, “Dirty Den” Watts, portrayed by the late Leslie Grantham.
During her 18 months in Albert Square, Chrissie made numerous enemies, notably Den’s adopted daughter, Sharon, played by longtime cast member Letitia Dean.
READ MORE: Election day tips – avoid common polling station mistakes
Since leaving the soap, Oberman has had roles in several notable shows, including Doctor Who and After Life, and she played Auntie Val in Friday Night Dinner. She is also a seasoned theatre actor, with her most recent role being Shylock in a retelling of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice set in 1936, which toured nationally.
Oberman has already begun filming her return to EastEnders, although her scenes are set to air in the autumn. She expressed her enthusiasm about returning, saying she “jumped at the chance” to reprise her role. “Chrissie Watts was such a great character to play – a victim or a villain,”
she said. “She is a real fan favourite so, when [executive producer] Chris Clenshaw asked me to come back and revisit her and see what has happened in the last 19 years, I jumped at the chance. The scripts are fantastic and I hope the viewers enjoy her as much as I am enjoying playing her again.”
EastEnders’ executive producer Chris Clenshaw teased that Chrissie’s return would stir up the drama, though he remained tight-lipped about specific plot details.
“Although the character hasn’t been seen on screen for almost 20 years, Chrissie is cemented in EastEnders’ rich history for her murder of Walford’s most infamous villain, and Sharon’s beloved father, Dirty Den. I’m keeping tight-lipped on the exact circumstances relating to her return for the time being.”
READ MORE: Brazen man shoplifts from Card Factory by swiping goods at till
