Anita Dobson
Anita Dobson | |
|---|---|
Dobson at the tenth anniversary of Wicked in 2016 | |
| Born | 29 April 1949 Stepney, London, England |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1974–present |
| Known for | Role of Angie Watts in EastEnders and the Rani in Doctor Who |
| Spouse | |
Anita, Lady May (born 29 April 1949), known as Anita Dobson, is an English actress and singer. She is best known for playing landlady Angie Watts in the BBC soap opera EastEnders from the show's inception in 1985 until 1988. She achieved a top five hit in the UK singles chart in 1986 with "Anyone Can Fall in Love", a vocal version of the theme music of EastEnders, and briefly reprised her role for the show's 40th anniversary in 2025.
Dobson's other television roles include Cath in the 1989 ITV sitcom Split Ends and Mrs Flood, later revealed to be the Rani, in Doctor Who (2023–present). In 2003, she was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Actress for the National Theatre production of Frozen. She has also starred in the West End as Mama Morton in the musical Chicago (2003) and Gertrude in Hamlet (2005), making her RSC debut in the 2012 revival of The Merry Wives of Windsor. Her film appearances include Darkness Falls (1999) and London Road (2015).