Anita Dobson joins 'The Bill'

One of soap's biggest stars is set to join The Bill, according to a tabloid newspaper today.

Anita Dobson, who played Angie Watts in EastEnders, is expected to start filming next month and will appear on our screens as PC Steve Hunter's mother Lynne.

In a forthcoming storyline, Phil unexpectedly gets a girl pregnant and his mother will arrive to help him through his difficult time.

An insider told The Sun: "We were thrilled to get Anita because she's such a huge star. She is really excited about the whole project."

Speaking of her new role, Anita said: "I'm very lucky, I don't need the money."

Back in 2002, her alcoholic East-End counterpart was killed off 14 years after she quit the show.

EastEnders' bosses had reportedly asked Anita back on several occasions but when it became clear that she had no plans to return, they decided Angie's funeral was an ideal opportunity to bring back Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) instead.

Anita added: "Why tarnish the gorgeous creation that was Angie Watts?"

UPDATED: A spokeswomen for The Bill confirmed to DS:

"Anita's coming in to do one episode at the moment and will be playing the part of Phil Hunter's mother. She comes to give her son a few home truths and to set him straight on a few things.

"She's due to start filming next week with a view to doing more."