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EastEnders legend Anita Dobson lands role in children's show Dodger

EastEnders legend Anita Dobson is to star in a Christmas special of Dodger credit:Bang Showbiz
EastEnders legend Anita Dobson is to star in a Christmas special of Dodger credit:Bang Showbiz

Anita Dobson has landed a role in children's show 'Dodger'.

The 73-year-old actress - who is best known for her role as Angie Watts in 'EastEnders' in the 1980s - will appear in a Christmas special of the series, which serves as a prequel to the events of Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist', but she has remained tight-lipped about her character.

She said: "My next big role is in 'Dodger' in the Christmas special so that's quite nice. I don't want to say anything about my character ... wait and see! It's surprising to still be acting. I'm still here - hallelujah!"

Anita - who has been married to Queen legend Brian May for over 20 years and has appeared in musicals such as 'Chicago' and 'Wicked' since her time on the BBC soap opera - will join former 'Doctor Who' actor Christopher Eccleston and 'Shameless' star David Threlfall, who have both been regular cast members of 'Dodger' over the course of its first series.

The former 'Strictly Come Dancing' star famously appeared in the Christmas Day episode of 'EastEnders' back in 1986 - which pulled in a record audience of 30.15 million and saw her character receive divorce papers from husband Den - and joked she has a habit of appearing on screen and stage throughout the festive period.

She told the Daily Star newspaper's Hot TV Column: "I seem to do Christmas specials a lot! I'm big on panto as well. I watch them sometimes, too. It depends how much I loved doing it."

The first series of 'Dodger' is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.