EastEnders Star Criticizes BBC Writers for Storyline Loophole
Tracy-Ann Oberman, the actress known for her role as Chrissie Watts on BBC’s EastEnders, has raised concerns about a significant storyline loophole involving her character. The drama surrounding Chrissie’s history is intense, particularly regarding the murder of her husband, Dirty Den.
Chrissie Watts and the Murder of Dirty Den
In 2005, Chrissie was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Dirty Den. She served 19 years in prison after a confrontation between the two escalated at the Queen Vic pub. During this altercation, Den violently assaulted Chrissie, prompting her friend Zoe Slater to intervene. Zoe used a doorstop to strike Den, which led to his apparent death. However, Den survived and attempted to kill Chrissie again.
A Shocking Twist in the Storyline
Tracy-Ann explained that, while initially believing Den was dead, the situation turned fatal when Chrissie landed a fatal blow. The three women—Chrissie, Zoe, and Sam Mitchell—tried to conceal Den’s body by burying him in the pub’s cellar and cementing the hole.
Criticism of EastEnders’ Writing
During a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain, Oberman criticized the EastEnders writing team for the legal implications surrounding her character’s storyline. She suggested that with a competent lawyer, Chrissie could have argued self-defense and avoided a lengthy prison sentence.
- Tracy-Ann commented, “With a better lawyer, I’d have gotten off with self-defense.”
- She described the legal advice portrayed in the script as the “worst legal advice.”
- Oberman stated, “The writers did me dirty,” referring to how the storyline unfolded.
Return to EastEnders
After a brief hiatus from the show, Tracy-Ann returned during the festive season with a twist. It was revealed that she had been involved in torturing Zoe Slater alongside Zoe’s secret daughter, Jasmine. Initially presumed to be at the center of the murder of Anthony Trueman, Chrissie later claimed innocence, stating Jasmine was the true culprit.
The character’s return signifies a pivotal shift in the storyline, where she now collaborates with Kat Slater to exonerate Zoe, despite Zoe having confessed to the murder. As the plot thickens, Chrissie finds hope in a “really happy ending” this time around.
Acknowledgment and Milestones
This week, Tracy-Ann will receive her MBE from King Charles for her contributions to Holocaust education and efforts against antisemitism. Her journey reflects significant personal and professional milestones, marking a full-circle moment in her career.
Fans of EastEnders can continue to follow this evolving storyline as the series airs weekdays at 7:30 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
