Letitia Dean revealed some sad news at the end of her acceptance speech as she took home the Outstanding Achievement prize at this year's British Soap Awards and dedicated it to her dad.
EastEnders icon Letitia, who has played much loved character Sharon for close to 40 years, received a rapturous reception from her peers at London's Hackney Empire a her name was called as the winner of the coveted. After her EastEnders co-stars Lacey Turner and Gillian Wright were among the other British Soap Awards winners on the night, Letitia received her award from her former on-screen mum, Anita Dobson.
Before a montage of Letitia's best bits played out on screen, Anita talked about what a big support Letitia had been to her on her first day on set, before several of her current Albert Square co-stars like Kellie Bright, Gillian Taylforth and Steve McFadden paid tribute to her.
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Letitia has been involved in some huge storylines during her time on EastEnders, most famously 'Sharongate,' when she cheated on husband Grant Mitchell with his brother Phil.
What's your favourite Eastenders storyline? Let us know in the comments below.
Accepting her award, Letitia paid tribute to the cast and crew she'd worked with on the BBC soap before sharing some tragic personal news at the end of her speech. She said: " I lost my daddy a week ago, so this is for my daddy, I hope he's proud," as the audience erupted in cheers for her.
Letitia added: "And for my darling mummy and I hope you enjoy your fish and chips," before ending: "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."
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