Doctor Who icon Anita Dobson never told BBC show boss she'd be back on EastEnders

Russell T. Davies was taken completely by surprise when he found out that Anita Dobson returned to Albert Square last February, and now he wishes he'd exploited their connection more strategically.The iconic EastEnders actress is returning to our screens in the upcoming season of Doctor Who, which kicks off on BBC One from Saturday, 12 April, bringing the mysterious Mrs Flood to life once again.

The mastermind behind Doctor Who, Russell T. Davies, has been teasing fans about what’s in store for Anita Dobson’s character, revealing: "There are big reveals and big shocks coming,".

Anita's appearance was a highlight of EastEnders' 40th-anniversary live episode, where she played Angie Watts one more time and dramatically rescued daughter Sharon (portrayed by Letitia Dean) from beyond the grave – all while keeping it hush-hush, even from Russell.

Recounting his cluelessness, Russell said: "The day before, I texted Anita and she didn't reply – she always replies straight away," adding light-heartedly, "I thought I was going mad but I could have gone to the bookies and made a thousand quid." For the 75 year old actress, stepping back into Angie's shoes two decades after her death felt right. "It was a good closure for Angie and me," she confidently expressed.