The returning character initially left in 2005 and is again to stir issues up.
A former EastEnders star is ready to return to Albert Sq. this Christmas, promising drama and chaos within the iconic BBC cleaning soap. Actress Tracy-Ann Oberman has opened up about her emotional return as Chrissie Watts, who’s again on screens this Christmas to “create havoc” in Albert Sq..
The 59-year-old initially left the BBC cleaning soap in 2005 when her character was jailed for 20 years for murdering her husband, Den Watts (Leslie Grantham). Chrissie made a quick comeback in September 2024, spending her last week in jail alongside Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).
Wednesday’s episode revealed that Chrissie will as soon as once more be on the centre of the drama this Christmas. She was seen scheming with Jasmine (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness), just lately revealed as the key daughter of Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).
Ryan returned to the cleaning soap in June after 20 years away, and her character has spent the previous three months being threatened by a mysterious stalker, now confirmed as Chrissie Watts.
Oberman described returning to the cleaning soap as an “absolute pleasure” and spoke warmly about reuniting with actresses Ryan, 41, and Kim Medcalf, who performs Sam Mitchell. She stated: “I spent a lot time with them in my brief however highly effective stint on EastEnders. Being again in The Queen Vic with Michelle and Kim was actually emotional.
“We stored hugging one another and discussing how a lifetime had handed since we have been final collectively, and there was a lot to compensate for, together with sharing images of youngsters, and speaking about how our lives had developed during the last 20 years. It’s been a extremely superb expertise.
“It additionally was a reminder of what EastEnders does finest. Sturdy feminine characters, in dynamic storylines, working collectively to create the drama.”
Chrissie’s unique storyline noticed her imprisoned for murdering Den, whose physique she buried below the Queen Vic barrel retailer with the assistance of Mitchell and Slater.
She lived for months below false pretences, with Den’s adoptive daughter Sharon and son Dennis Rickman concerned. Mitchell was initially blamed for the homicide after drunkenly digging up Den’s physique at Sharon and Dennis’s marriage ceremony.
Chrissie was ultimately caught and jailed in December 2005 when Phil and Grant Mitchell returned to free their sister.
Oberman stated of her return: “She is such an awesome character. I like the concept of her returning at Christmas to create havoc. I’m delighted my return was stored below wraps.
“Who wouldn’t need to be a part of the storyline on Christmas Day in Albert Sq., notably when it’s Chrissie.”
The actress, additionally recognized for sitcom Friday Evening Dinner, added that her character “jumped” on the probability to torment Ryan’s Zoe Slater and “have one thing over her,” given their shared historical past.
“Chrissie, while being very arduous and difficult, has a robust sense of justice, and in her thoughts, Zoe by no means actually paid for Den’s homicide.
“What began off as a sport for her has ended up changing into a bit of little bit of an obsession. Chrissie thinks Zoe must take accountability, and that’s her motivation.”
