Play time far from over for EastEnders legend

Anita Dobson reveals she jumped at the chance to revisit Play for Today. RACHAEL POPOW finds out more

- RACHAEL POPOW

The original Play for Today strand ran on the BBC from 1970, or 1960 if you count its predecessor, the Wednesday Play. The name changed due to a schedule move.

It provided a showcase for emerging acting, writing and directing talents, and some of the most famous offerings included Abigail's Party, Blue Remembered Hills and Rumpole of the Bailey.

It also inspired a new generation of aspiring actors, including future EastEnders legend Anita Dobson.

Anita, 76, says: “It was part of my growing up. I loved it because those plays represented bits of life, and explored what could be possible and how people dealt with things that came their way.

“Play for Today made me realise I wanted to act - I wanted to tell stories, to reach out and touch people in the same way, to make them laugh and cry.”