Sharon Watts Returns to Albert Square

EastEnders fans are in for a treat as Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) makes her long-awaited return to Albert Square. The latest dramatic trailer shows Sharon stepping out of a taxi with her young son, Albie, only to come face-to-face with her old rival, Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), who has also returned after nearly two decades.

Decked in her signature black outfit, featuring skin-tight trousers, a lace top, and towering heels, Sharon immediately exudes confidence. The tense reunion promises plenty of drama for viewers, highlighting the iconic feud between the two women.

Letitia Dean’s Incredible Transformation

At 57, Letitia Dean has stunned fans with her impressive weight loss. Over the past year, the actress dropped two stone, going from 10st 4lbs to 8st 3lbs, and lost four dress sizes. She attributes her transformation to prioritizing health and wellbeing while completely cutting out junk food.

Dean previously experimented with “faddy diets” like Atkins or egg-only regimens, which produced rapid but unsustainable results. “I just woke up one morning and I’d had enough,” she said. “For years, my weight had yo-yoed up and down.” Now, she focuses on a well-balanced diet, sticking to around 1,300 calories a day, and complements it with exercise routines like running and boxercise.

The actress credits her new approach for giving her more energy and a renewed sense of confidence. She enjoys grilled skinless chicken, lots of greens, and long-term healthy habits that have replaced short-term dieting fads.

Sharon and Zoe: A Face-Off Two Decades in the Making

The tension between Sharon and Zoe is rooted in a long and dramatic history. In the early 2000s, both women were entangled in a love triangle with Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman). Sharon and Dennis secretly planned a future together, only for Zoe to falsely claim she was pregnant with Dennis’ child — a deception orchestrated by Dirty Den (Leslie Grantham).

This betrayal temporarily derailed Sharon’s relationship, while Zoe faced her own complicated path, including an involvement with Den that ended in heartbreak. Their complex past sets the stage for the electrifying confrontation teased in the trailer.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

Viewers have responded enthusiastically to the trailer, praising Dean’s transformation and the dramatic tension between Sharon and Zoe. Many are excited to see how Sharon navigates her return with her son and confronts unresolved conflicts. The combination of Dean’s personal journey and Sharon’s on-screen drama is creating a buzz that is hard to ignore.

Co-Stars Making Headlines

While Letitia prepares for her EastEnders scenes, co-star Shane Richie, who plays Alfie Moon, is gearing up for a leading role in Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Christmas pantomime, Dick Whittington, running from December 12 to January 10. Richie’s short break from the soap will not affect Alfie’s storylines, according to sources.

Meanwhile, Balvinder Sopal, another EastEnders cast member, recently suffered an injury during Strictly rehearsals. Despite the setback, she praised the professional dancers and described the training as the hardest she’s ever experienced, highlighting the demanding schedules the cast manages alongside the soap’s ongoing drama.

A New Era for Sharon Watts

With Sharon’s return, Letitia Dean’s inspiring weight-loss journey, and the dramatic face-off with Zoe Slater, Albert Square is poised for one of its most talked-about storylines in years. Fans can expect intense scenes, emotional confrontations, and a renewed sense of drama that reinforces why EastEnders remains a staple of British television.