After nearly two decades, one of EastEnders' most notorious characters, Chrissie Watts (played by Tracy-Ann Oberman), is making her highly-anticipated return to Albert Square. Fans have been buzzing with excitement and intrigue ever since the BBC One soap announced Chrissie's comeback, with many wondering what chaos she will unleash on Walford this time around.
Chrissie’s return is no
ordinary homecoming—it’s laden with mystery and drama, especially since her
last appearance in 2005 marked the culmination of one of EastEnders’ most
gripping storylines: the murder of her husband, Den Watts. As the former
landlady of The Queen Vic, Chrissie’s name still sends shivers down the spines
of her former foes and captivates audiences eager for her return. What awaits
her as she steps back into the spotlight? Let's dive into the history, the
build-up, and what we can expect from this monumental comeback.
A Trip Down Memory Lane:
Chrissie's Infamous Exit
To understand the
significance of Chrissie’s return, it’s crucial to revisit her last stint on
the show, where she was embroiled in one of EastEnders’ most dramatic
storylines. Chrissie Watts was a cunning and resilient character who famously
killed her abusive husband, Den Watts (Leslie Grantham), after he tormented her
for months. Den, the former "Dirty Den," had returned to Walford
after being presumed dead, only to meet his actual demise at the hands of
Chrissie. In an unforgettable episode, Chrissie delivered the fatal blow by striking
Den with Pauline Fowler’s dog-shaped doorstop after Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan)
failed to kill him.
The fallout from Den’s
murder was equally intense. Chrissie masterfully framed Sam Mitchell (Kim
Medcalf) for the crime, even as she and Zoe helped her bury Den’s body in the
Queen Vic’s cellar. This resulted in a highly charged storyline, culminating in
Chrissie's arrest after Phil and Grant Mitchell returned to expose her crimes.
Viewers were left
wondering what became of Chrissie after she was hauled off to prison. Did she
ever regret her actions? How has she been coping after 19 years behind bars?
These questions have lingered since her departure, and her return promises to
reveal at least some answers.
The Build-Up to
Chrissie’s Return: A Masterclass in Secrecy
EastEnders has been
keeping fans on the edge of their seats since it confirmed Chrissie’s return
earlier this year. The details of her reappearance have been shrouded in
secrecy, with Tracy-Ann Oberman herself revealing that her return to the show
was kept under wraps during production. Even her co-stars didn’t know she was
coming back, with scripts written under fake names and locations to avoid any
potential leaks.
In an interview, Oberman
recounted how her close friend Harriet Thorpe, who plays Elaine, eventually
figured out her involvement: "I was in the bath after the second night of
filming, and I got a phone call from Harriet saying, ‘Darling, will I be seeing
you anytime soon?’ and I said, ‘What do you mean?’ She said, ‘I’ve worked it
out, it’s you, isn’t it?’"
The secrecy has only
heightened the anticipation for Chrissie’s grand return, leaving viewers
wondering what brings her back to Albert Square after so long and what kind of
drama she’ll stir up.
What Brings Chrissie
Back?
As of now, the specific
circumstances surrounding Chrissie’s return remain largely unknown. However,
there are plenty of reasons why this iconic character might make her way back
to Walford. Has she been released from prison after serving her time for Den’s
murder? Could she be back to right old wrongs, settle unfinished business, or
perhaps seek revenge on those who crossed her all those years ago?
Given the history between
Chrissie and other key characters, her return is bound to ruffle more than a
few feathers. Sam Mitchell, in particular, was deeply affected by being framed
for Den’s murder and might seek vengeance. Meanwhile, Sharon Watts, Den’s daughter,
and the Mitchell brothers will undoubtedly have strong reactions to seeing
Chrissie back in town.
Moreover, Chrissie’s
dynamic with new characters—such as Elaine and George Knight—adds an extra
layer of intrigue. Tracy-Ann Oberman hinted at her excitement about working
with these newer faces, adding to the suspense of how Chrissie will interact
with both old enemies and fresh faces.
Walford Awaits: A Week of
Explosive Drama
Next Monday’s (September
9) episode will mark Chrissie’s official return to Albert Square, and it won’t
take long for drama to ensue. From the moment she steps foot in Walford,
Chrissie's presence will send shockwaves through the community. As one of the
most cunning characters in EastEnders history, her return promises a whirlwind
of tension and conflict.
Throughout the week, we
can expect high-stakes confrontations and explosive interactions. Chrissie has
never been one to shy away from confrontation, and her history of manipulation
and scheming suggests that her reappearance will shake things up for several
key characters. Whether she’s looking to settle old scores or simply trying to
find her place in the Square after all these years, the fallout is bound to be
dramatic.
Can Chrissie Find
Redemption?
One of the most intriguing
questions surrounding Chrissie’s return is whether she is coming back as a
villain, a reformed character, or something in between. While she committed one
of EastEnders’ most unforgettable murders, the years since have left fans
wondering if she has changed. Has her time in prison softened her? Or is she
still the cold, calculating woman who stopped at nothing to protect herself?
Chrissie’s ability to
deceive and manipulate is well-established, but the complexity of her character
means she could easily return as someone seeking redemption. Alternatively, her
reappearance might serve to show that she has unfinished business with those
who wronged her, potentially setting the stage for even more shocking twists.
Tracy-Ann Oberman’s
Thoughts on Returning to EastEnders
For Tracy-Ann Oberman,
stepping back into Chrissie’s shoes was like "putting on a really nice old
coat." Despite the nearly two-decade gap, she expressed how seamlessly she
was able to slip back into character, even down to the iconic curly hairstyle
that fans will remember from her earlier days on the show.
Oberman praised
EastEnders' executive producer, Chris Clenshaw, for convincing her to return,
noting that his passion for the show and desire to honor its legacy made her
decision easier. While she was initially unsure about reprising the role, the
timing felt right, especially with the soap's upcoming 40th anniversary
celebrations.
As for whether Chrissie’s
return is a one-time guest appearance or the beginning of something more
long-term, Oberman was coy but didn’t rule out future appearances. "I had
such a great time, so you know what they say—never say never," she teased.
What’s Next for Chrissie?
As Chrissie Watts
reenters the world of EastEnders, fans are left wondering what her future
holds. Will she be able to reintegrate into the community, or will her past
crimes catch up with her? Will she reconnect with old allies, or will she face
immediate backlash from those she betrayed?
One thing is certain:
Chrissie’s return will bring plenty of drama, intrigue, and suspense. Whether
she’s back for revenge, redemption, or simply to stir up trouble, viewers won’t
want to miss a single moment.
For now, all eyes are on
Walford as we await the fireworks that will surely follow Chrissie Watts'
return to Albert Square. Tune in next week to see how this gripping storyline
unfolds!