Former EastEnders star Anita Dobson ‘utterly thrilled' after being made OBE

Former EastEnders star Anita Dobson has said she is 'utterly thrilled' after being made an OBE.
The 76-year old London-born actress, best known for playing Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts on the BBC soap, was recognised for services to charitable fundraising and philanthropy.
Dobson is a patron for several charities including Thames Hospice and Focus Foundation, which provides support for grassroots charities and local organisations.
Speaking about the OBE, she told the PA news agency: 'I'm utterly thrilled and completely honoured and a bit bowled over and very excited. And all my friends have been texting and sending support. It's just been wonderful. It's very moving and I'm thrilled.
'It's not like a little one, where a few of people in the world know – everybody knows. And so it feels like you you're having a big hug.
'My face is so stretched you can't believe it. This is a very happy day and I just feel very lucky and people have just been texting in and being so supportive and so lovely.
'I hope everybody that's got an honour from the honours list has the same thing happening to them, that lots of people are making them feel special. Because I sure am.'
The actress is an ambassador for the Sick Children's Trust and a former president of Phab, a charity that helps children and adults with and without disabilities to feel independent and confident.
Speaking about her motivation to get involved with charities, she said: 'I think it's really important to, particularly in my industry, to pass things on. To pass anything that you've learned along the way, or little hints you can give on to the next generation.
'I've always felt like that you should help people. And there's a lot of people with nothing now, with no hope, no homes to live in, not much food, not much clothing. So if you've got a lot, then it doesn't hurt, does it, to give a bit of it away and share it and make people's lives a little bit better, really?
'I sort of work on a very kind of basic level. I just think, if someone's in trouble, you help them.
'I had nothing when I was younger, and it's been the hard slog getting to anywheresville, and look where I am now. It's a good feeling to pass things on.
'I do lots of phoners where people ring in and they're in trouble and maybe you can't solve their problems, but you can sure as hell help them feel heard and that they matter, and that there is somebody in the world who has got the time to listen to them and maybe give them some advice that might point them in the right direction, or introduce them to somebody else who can help them in a better way than you can.'
Dobson recently reprised her role as Angie for EastEnders' 40th anniversary, appearing in the Queen Vic as a ghost while her adopted daughter, Sharon Watts, played by Letitia Dean, was seen fighting for her life after an explosion in the pub.
The shock return won the series the scene of the year gong at the 2025 British Soap Awards.
She also played mysterious character Mrs Flood in the long-running BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who, having joined the series on Christmas Day 2023.
During Ncuti Gatwa's second season as the Time Lord, it was revealed that Mrs Flood was a disguised incarnation of the Rani, a renegade Time Lady and villain.
She added: 'I had a lovely message from Russell T Davis (Doctor Who Showrunner) this morning saying congratulations, which is lovely. We'll see what happens in the future, or whenever.
'I just have had a lovely time working for them. It's been a real blast. Russell said to me, come and have some fun. And I did. I just had fun. It was a real gift of a job.'
The actress is also known for her stage performances and in 2003 was nominated for the best actress Olivier Award for her role in Bryony Lavery's Frozen at the National Theatre Cottesloe.
Dobson was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing with professional Robin Windsor in 2011, but was voted off after nine weeks.
Born in 1949 in the east end of London, the actress has been married to Queen guitarist Sir Brian May since 2000.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

BBC News

44 minutes ago

• BBC News

Grow a Garden: The surprise Roblox gaming hit

If people discover they love virtual gardening, might they be encouraged to take up the real thing? Andrew K. Przybylski, a professor of human behaviour and technology at the University of Oxford, said it was possible the game could "plant a seed" that could lead to a passion for plants. But, overall, he's sceptical. "It is unlikely that a game like this will encourage real world gardening any more than Super Mario Wonder encourages plumbing," he told the BBC. Prof Sarah Mills of Loughborough University has carried out research into the experience of young people and gaming. She highlights a key appeal of Grow a Graden is it is free to play, but the in-game currency is important. "This wider landscape of paid reward systems in digital games can impact children and young people's experiences of gaming and financial literacy," she said. "It can also cause challenges for many families to navigate, changing the nature of pocket money." Gardening podcaster and BBC presenter Thordis Fridriksson, meanwhile, is hopeful that any interest in gardening is a good thing. "Obviously the whole process is pretty different to real life, but it taps into the same thing which makes gardening so addictive, and that's planting seeds and watching your garden grow. "Fingers crossed some of the people who love the game will try growing something at home." Outside the living room in Edinburgh where they play the game is Owen and Eric's actual garden, which both boys help in. "I like gardening - and gardening in Grow a Garden," says Owen. But asked which one he prefers, he's emphatic: "Grow a Garden!"

Times

an hour ago

• Times

The UK summer festival kit list — luxury edition

Everyone knows that people who attend festivals in the UK aren't messing around. A feeble Californian unused to the elements, I turned up to my first UK weekender head to toe in all the wrong clothes. Where I should have brought warming but chic layers, I came with bare shoulders and no jacket. Where I should have researched fashionable but supportive shoes, I turned up in dainty sandals. Where it might have been wise to pack both a raincoat and a sunhat, I brought only trendy (and hardly UV safe) sunnies. As the rain whipped around me, the mud caked my ankles and my feet throbbed, I was cursing the Coachella influencers who had inspired my outfit. Instead I should have been paying attention to the clever way that the UK's fashionable festivalgoers weave together form and function to make sure they have the best time possible while still bringing personal style into the equation. It's a tricky line to navigate. Sure, you'll need sensible shoes. But the good news is there's never been a cooler array of sensible shoes on the market. Sure, you'll need a raincoat — but what if that raincoat was made by the queen of fashionable festival attire herself, Alexa Chung? Of course you'll want a hat to protect yourself from the sun, but what if that hat could take you from the soggy glades of Glastonbury to, say, the sizzling beach clubs of Monaco? Whether you're in the enviable position of sleeping in a luxury camper van at a glamping site or are kicking it old-school and camping next to your favourite stage, here are the festival staples that will have you looking and feeling your most luxurious. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Possibly the most important festival accessory is a great pair of sunnies. These from eyewear king Tom Ford are the perfect blend of trendy and practical, with their 1970s-inspired shape. Strap them on a chain like this one from Loewe for extra safety. This will keep them from flying off in the mosh pit. Tom Ford, £413 My favourite formula when it comes to festival dressing is wearing a fun top with comfortable bottoms. This top from the LA-based brand Staud has jaunty sequins, a little bit of a structure and a neutral enough colour that it will go with everything, even a pair of Adidas shorts. Staud, £330 Same goes for this glitter printed number from the French brand Courrèges. It's comfortable but still has personality — and is also a nod to the early 2000s styles that have been creeping back into the fashion landscape over the last few years. Courrèges, £180 There is no one who has more successfully nailed the chic festival aesthetic than Alexa Chung. This is why her line at Barbour is the perfect choice for your festival kit. It's made with the brand's waxed cotton, which will keep you dry in a downpour, but it's lightweight enough to make sure you don't overheat. It also comes in a jolly yellow bright enough that your friends will never lose you in the crowd. The Edit by Alexa at Barbour, £319 Miu Miu has entered into the activewear space and done it very well. Among the brand's new, more unexpected offerings is a fleece sweatshirt. The oversize fit and thick material mean it'll keep you cosy when temperatures inevitably drop in the evening. Miu Miu, £1,800 This top from Pucci is a great way to bring some colour into your look. Bring along your favourite bikini top to go under the shirt and you're in business. Pucci, £270 This flouncy dress from the LA-based brand Doen will balance perfectly with the chunkier pair of shoes you will inevitably have to wear. Think how nice it will feel not to have to squeeze into a pair of trousers on day three. Doen, £268 These need no introduction. They're the king of festivalwear and the best way to protect your trotters when the rain starts falling and the ground turns to slurry. This model has an update on the classic Hunter look with a mid-calf height and a tiny platform. Hunter, £168 This cropped reversible jacket has the unmistakable Burberry check on one side and a solid green on the other, meaning you get two outfits for the price of one. It's lightweight and will help keep you protected from the wind in the chicest way possible. Burberry, £1,250 Brunello Cucinelli clothes and a music festival may feel like unlikely companions, but this ribbed polo is a jaunty red and made of a resilient and warm cotton, making it a perfect companion for your festival excursion. Brunello Cucinelli, £990 A good pair of denim shorts will take you far, and these from Agolde come in five different washes. They are the perfect length, sitting just above mid-thigh, which is most flattering. Agolde, £180 Celine's classic frames are a surefire way to stay looking glam throughout the festival, plus the brand's shades are made of a thicker, sturdier acetate, so they're a more reliable bet for a day involving lots of jumping around. Celine, £340 For something with an open toe but a bit more support, try Bottega's new sandals. These have sturdy leather straps and chunky soles to help keep your feet secure as you stomp between shows. Bottega Veneta, £770 Jacquemus has been making fashionable summer headwear for years. The French brand uses chic but sturdy materials like denim and canvas, and many of its hats include an attached strap — a practical element not to be sniffed at! Jacquemus, £220 For something more lo-fi but still just as comfortable, try a pair of trainers from the new brand Hatty. These British-made, vegan and vintage-inspired trainers are designed by the siblings Harriet and Lewis Houlgrave, who just happen to be third-generation shoemakers. If it's looking to be a dry weekend, opt for their cheetah print model. The gum soles and supple materials mean that these babies will keep you dancing all night, no problemo. The shoes arrive in a beautiful silver box, which also includes a card explaining how to tie a perfect bow with your laces. Handy. Hatty, £165 If you get organised enough to change into a pair of pyjamas (rather than flopping face down in your party gear), make sure they're extra luxurious. Eberjey is known for its uber-cosy pyjamas, and its (machine-washable) silk PJs are particularly fabulous. Opt for the new Casa del Sol collection, which was co-created with the actress Eva Longoria for a particularly summery-feeling combo. Eberjey, £270 If you're someone who tends to get cold at night, why not bring along one of Burberry's hot-water bottles to keep your toes warm. Burberry, £320 Comfort is king, especially towards the end of the festival, but that doesn't mean you can't look polished too. Prada's jogging bottoms have both a drawstring waistband and cuffs, meaning they will be not only a roomy solution, but also a stylish one. Prada, £1,010 Whether you're shuffling around your tent or braving a communal shower, The Row's flip-flops will keep your feet comfortable while also semaphoring your style pioneer status. The Row, £670 Augustinus Bader is the skincare brand used by those in the know. Its products are chock full of the powerful TFC8® technology, which was invented by Dr Bader to aid in skin renewal — something you will be in desperate need of. The starter kit offers the brand's skincare heroes in a collection of minis. Augustinus Bader, £210 This suncream combines skin care and protection, formulated as a hydrating serum with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It also has a dewiness to it that will give you a nice sheen and it's tinted — great for those looking for a more minimal make-up look. Emma Lewisham, £50 There's nothing more annoying than the sense that a monster spot is percolating under the surface of your skin, especially when the last thing you have time to think about is a proper skincare regime. The ZIIP dot is your best friend in moments like this. The circular device, designed by the celebrity facialist Melanie Simon, is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but it emits micro currents that when glided over your spots help to reduce inflammation, swelling and tackle bacteria. ZIIP, £169 This primer will do everything you need for the festival. It will give you a glowy sheen, it will moisturise, and it will help blur imperfections without making your skin feel heavy. It's an all-rounder that also layers well if you need to do a mid-day top up. Vieve, £39 There's nothing more annoying than not having your phone handy to capture all the action. This case from Bottega is made of rubber, which will keep your phone safe from spills, and has a strap attached, so you can hang the phone off your person or even whirl it around your head with joy. Bottega Veneta, £200 You will spend half the time looking for the friends you've lost. Even worse is when you get lost with a phone battery that's rapidly decreasing, because then you may never see any of your friends again. Come prepared with a portable phone charger, and a chic one at that. Hermès' version is covered in supple calfskin leather and has wireless charging capabilities so you don't have to carry around any pesky cables. It also has a useful analogue gauge on the front to tell you exactly how much power is left in the bank. Hermès, £680 The Eyes water bottle is the perfect festival companion. Fun and functional, it keeps drinks cool for 24 hours and warm for 12, so it can carry your morning hot drink and then later help keep you cool and hydrated. Anya Hindmarch, £45 Sometimes you just can't bring yourself to stand in an endless line for a refresh on your drink. Solve for this by packing yourself a handful of tinned cocktails like these from Ghost Lab. Not only do they taste delicious, but they also feature light combinations like gin with grapefruit, lychee and cucumber, or vodka with espresso, cascara cherry and guarana. Plus the sleek silver packaging will act as an extra accessory. Ghost Labs, £18 It's almost a 100 per cent guarantee that you won't be eating as mindfully as you might like to during a multiday festival experience. Increase your protein intake (the key to managing a hangover) by supplementing with Louco's protein powder before you head out for the day. It's been specifically designed for women's health and will help you keep dancing for longer. Louco Health, from £24

Daily Mail​

2 hours ago

• Daily Mail​

Gwyneth Paltrow reveals what makes her cry while cooking her 'full italian boyfriend breakfast'

Gwyneth Paltrow spent her Saturday morning shedding a few tears while preparing breakfast. The 52-year-old actress shared a new video on Instagram Saturday, sharing her making what she called the 'full Italian' breakfast. 'The 'full Italian' #boyfriendbreakfast—my riff on a full English,' she said in the caption. Last weekend, she shocked fans by posting a video of preparing her 'boyfriend breakfast' while topless, though she was fully clothed in this latest video. She did shed a few tears, though, because she had to cut up some onions as part of her meal prep. The video - set to the Royal Otis song Egg Beater - showed Paltrow getting ready for her breakfast in a loose white top, white pants and black slippers. She was seen peeling a potato and then putting it in a special grinder to make fresh hash browns, as she rinsed them off in a strainer. She then rung out all of the moisture from the potatoes in a kitchen towel before wiping tears away while holding up an onion before slicing it up. The Goop founder then put butter in a pan and started making her hash browns, before putting a few sausage links and a few curled Cumberland sausages on the grill. She then put some thin slices of capicola in a pan and put them in the oven with a few sliced tomatoes. Paltrow then showcased a sunny-side up egg and her her full cooked and plated breakfast as the video came to an end. The 'full English' breakfast is a popular U.K. breakfast that includes bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms and toast, Paltrow recently opened up about how she achieves her enviable physique back in April on her Goop podcast. At the time, she confessed that while she had been sticking to the Paleo diet for years, she had now become 'sick' of it and had decided to start feasting on more carbs as of late. The Paleo diet is based on foods that people ate during the Paleolithic Era - which dates back to 2.5 million years ago - and includes mostly fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds, according to Mayo Clinic. Although its followers boast of benefits including weight loss, a smaller appetite and more energy, there has been little research into its effects. 'I went into hardcore macrobiotic for a certain time, that was an interesting chapter where I got obsessed with eating very, very healthily,' Paltrow explained. 'I really deepened my connection with food and the whole philosophy around macrobiotics, which is essentially just how they eat in the mountains of Japan, so very local and seasonal. 'Lots of fish, vegetables, rice, no diary, no sugar etc. I think that period of time I might have got a little didactic about it.'