EastEnders confirms unexpected Chrissie Watts return as Tracy-Ann Oberman comeback promises "fireworks"
We didn't see this one coming.
There's a storm coming to EastEnders this autumn when Chrissie Watts (played by Tracy-Ann Oberman) returns to Albert Square.
Details behind her appearance for a "short stint" are being kept under tight wraps, but viewers have been promised fireworks – a given with the feisty female.
It's remarkably been 19 years since we last saw Chrissie on screen, but her antics left a lasting legacy on EastEnders.
She was famously imprisoned for the murder of her husband, Den Watts (Lesley Grantham), in December 2005, and clashed with Phil (Steve McFadden) and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp), who were the ones who got her locked up in the first place when their sister Sam (Kim Medcalf) was framed for it.
She also made an enemy of many women on the street, having iconically clashed with Kate Mitchell (Jill Halfpenny), Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and, of course, her step-daughter and nemesis Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) – as Den always put his little princess first.
With plenty of drama surely on the horizon with Chrissie's return, what tricks will she have up her sleeve this time?
Tracy-Ann Oberman said about her return to EastEnders: "Chrissie Watts was such a great character to play – a victim or a villain.
"She is a real fan favourite, so when Chris Clenshaw asked me to come back and re-visit 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."
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Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, added: "I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Tracy-Ann back to the iconic role of Chrissie Watts.
"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."
He added: "I’m keeping tight-lipped on the exact circumstances relating to her return for the time being, but what I can promise is that it’s never quiet when Chrissie Watts is around.'
Oberman has been filming already and her scenes will air in the autumn.
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EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.
Authors
Helen Daly is the Associate Editor for Radio Times, overseeing new initiatives and commercial projects for the brand. She was previously Deputy TV Editor at a national publication. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.
