‘I'm Not Looking Forward Toturning 70'

Actress Anita Dobson shares the secret to her long, happy marriage, and her thoughts on cosmetic surgery and growing older.

- Chloe Andrews

While most people will recognise her as feisty Angie Watts from BBC1 soap EastEnders, Anita Dobson has had a very successful and varied career in show business over the past three decades.

When we catch up with Anita, 69, it’s evident that she’s still as enthused as ever by the entertainment industry – especially now that she’s starring in London stage show 3 Women, written by comedienne Katy Brand.

Anita plays the role of Eleanor in a show portraying three generations of females ahead of a family wedding – which, unsurprisingly, brings up a number of past issues. So what drew Anita to the role?

‘I was sent the play to read, and I really liked it. I thought it would be a very interesting adventure,’ she explains. ‘Rehearsals were fun, especially as this is brand new and has never been done before, which is very exciting – it means that you can actually put your stamp on it, and there’s no wrong or right way.’

Anita is used to the pressures of the stage, having previously starred in a number of theatre shows over the years, including West End musicals Chicago, Hello, Dolly! and Wicked.

But, despite her diverse and interesting career, her pivotal role was as EastEnders’ Angie Watts from 1985 until 1988. The nation was hooked as she portrayed the alcoholic, fiery landlady of the Queen Vic, and her turbulent relationship with adulterous husband ‘Dirty’ Den Watts was gripping to the end.