Letitia Dean who has played Sharon Watts on EastEnders on and off since 1985 will be making her third return to the long running BBC soap after last being seen back in 2006 when she disappeared off to America after the murder of husband Dennis.
Speaking to The Sun's TVBiz about her return to the Square, Dean talked about how she was incredibly nervous to reprise her role as the feisty blonde bombshell, but after simply putting on a bit of lippy and trying on the costume she felt back at home.
“Going back to the Square on my first day I literally almost cacked myself. It was like, ‘Oh God’. I felt like a newbie going back", she said.
"Sharon’s style hasn’t changed much. The skirts have got longer, the hair is slightly bigger but there is still that Eighties theme. Shoulder pads, eyelashes, a bit of sugar-plum lustre — and she’s back! Soon it was like I hadn’t been away.”
When a character who has been away for so many years resurfaces, trouble usually isn't far away and Sharon will certainly have her fair share of baggage! The former barmaid was at the centre of some of Eastenders most gripping storylines! Her flings and romances around the Square created some of the most memorable TV moments, particularly her dalliance with Walford stalwart Phil Mitchell!
And its no surprise who she goes running to when she arrives back on the scene. Speaking about her character's relationship with Phil , Dean said: “Sharon’s a mess and so confused. She never got over her grief since her husband Dennis died and she knocks on Phil’s door and says, ‘Help me’.
She added “There is always going to be a Phil in her life. That frisson has always been there, he’s so capable and he’s dangerous too. When you think about it, all her men have been pretty dangerous"
Of course off screen the two actors get on like a house on fire, and part of Dean's desire to return was inspired by the chemistry she shares with her fellow cast members. She gushed: “I love working with Steve, always have done. We’ve known each other for so long now.
And what of the other Mitchell brother, Watts and Grant had even been married but the nuptials didn't last long after Sharon had cheated on him with Phil! Often voted one of the most explosive storylines in the history of Eastenders, it was dubbed 'Sharongate' by fans!
Speaking about the possibility of Ross Kemp (Grant) making a comeback, Dean said of her former on screen hubby: “I love Ross. I’d love him to come back. It would be fantastic. It would be great. Can you imagine?
“Sharongate was one of my fave storylines.”
As well as tormenting Phil on the day of his engagement party, Sharon will also be causing problems with Jack Branning, played by Scott Maslen. Allegedly the pair will share a kiss on screen. Speaking about her romance with Jack as well as her favourite kisser, Dean revealed: “The Square is a place for love. Sharon has a little thing with Jack, there is some kiss-chase going on. Oh, it’s so tough coming back! Kissing? They’re all winners! Steve and Scott are both gold!”
Although Dean seems more worried about getting into trouble with producers, she said: “The trouble is Scott is so funny and I’m worried we’ll get told off because we’re always laughing. He’s like a naughty brother.”
Sharon's dramatic entrance will be broadcast on August 13! What do you think about Sharon's return? Are you glad to see her again or will she simply cause trouble!
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