EastEnders Chrissie Watts, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman, is making a return to the BBC soap it has been confirmed, nearly 20 years after her exit when she was sent to prison

EastEnders has confirmed the return of soap legend Chrissie Watts, nearly 20 years after her explosive exit.

The character, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman, was a regular on the soap from 2004 until 2005. As the wife of Dirty Den, Chrissie became a hit with viewers and appeared in 218 episodes.

During her stint in Albert Square, Chrissie was the landlady of the Queen Vic and featured in numerous storylines. But she is mostly remembered for killing her husband Den.

As fans will recall, Chrissie, along with Sam Mitchell and Zoe Slater took on evil Den, leading to his violent death. Chrissie was finally arrested for the crime, after she framed Sam at first, and she left the soap in 2005.

But now, 19 years on and it’s been confirmed that Chrissie will be making a return for a short stint. The circumstances relating to her return are currently under wraps – but there are sure to be fireworks.

On returning to EastEnders, actress Tracy-Ann Oberman said: “Chrissie Watts was such a great character to play – a victim or a villain. She is a real fan favourite so, when Chris Clenshaw asked me to come back and re-visit her and see what has happened in the last 19 years, I jumped at the chance.

“The scripts are fantastic and I hope the viewers enjoy her as much as I am enjoying playing her again.” Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer added: “I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Tracy-Ann back to the iconic role of Chrissie Watts.

“Although the character hasn’t been seen on screen for almost twenty years, Chrissie is cemented in EastEnders’ rich history for her murder of Walford’s most infamous villain, and Sharon’s beloved father, Dirty Den. I’m keeping tight-lipped on the exact circumstances relating to her return for the time being, but what I can promise is that it’s never quiet when Chrissie Watts is around.”

In 2005, Chrissie was the focus of one of “the programme’s biggest and most high-profile narratives” when she murdered her husband Den in self-defence at the end of the special 20th anniversary episode.

The broadcast was watched by 14.34 million people – with “almost 60% of possible viewers” tuning in to see Chrissie killing Den.

Chrissie became well known for her deviousness and “scheming”, echoing the traits of her husband, with the EastEnders website characterising her as “happy to play mind games” and “often two steps ahead” of Den.