EastEnders' Letitia Dean in tears as she shares dad died last week during Soap Awards speech
12.06.2022 - 15:45
/ ok.co.uk
EastEnders actress Letitia Dean revealed her father had recently passed away as she received the Outstanding Contribution award at this year’s British Soap Awards. The actress, 54, who has played Sharon Watts in EastEnders since 1985, dedicated the award to her father in an emotional speech. As she made her way onto the stage, she exclaimed “Hello mum!” before embracing on-screen mum, Anita Dobson, who presented her with the award.
She admitted it was “overwhelming” to win, and was “so touched” by the award, thanking the cast, crew and Anita. After reflecting on landing the role of Sharon thanks to her “dirty laugh”, she revealed the news of her dad’s passing. “I lost my daddy a week ago so this is for him.
I hope he is proud," she shared. "And for my darling mummy. I hope you’re enjoying your fish and chips!” She continued: “But seriously, thank you guys.
I’m not very good at this public speaking, but I do love you all and thank you so much for the way you love me and look after me, so thank you.” Soap legend Anita, who played her on-screen mum, Angie Watts, presented Letitia with the award with a glowing tribute to her “30 odd-years” on the show. She said: “The recipient of this award, I have known for a long time. “I first met her when she was 16 years old! She has been in 2,000 episodes, she has had 237 ‘doof doof’s’ and she has also been the landlord of the Queen Vic six times.
“She has had amazing storylines, the death of her son, return from the grave of her father, and her affair with Phil Mitchell which brought in 23.5 million viewers. Not bad, hey?” “She is quirky, funny, talented, glamorous and iconic," she added. Revealed as the winner of the Outstanding Achievement award, there were several tributes from her
.