Sharon Watts – Full Biography of EastEnders Icon

Sharon Watts is one of the most enduring figures in British soap history. Introduced on the very first episode of EastEnders on 19 February 1985, she has been at the centre of family drama, love triangles, and business feuds for four decades. Played by Letitia Dean, the character’s journey from adopted teenager behind the Queen Vic bar to a businesswoman and mother of two has made her a household name.

Fans often ask about her age, her children, her many marriages, and the actress behind the role. This article brings together the key facts, clarifies what is known and what remains uncertain, and traces the major milestones in her life on Albert Square.

How Old Is Sharon Watts?

Key Facts: Sharon Watts

Who Are Sharon Watts’ Children?

Dennis Rickman Jr.: Son with Dennis Rickman Sr.

Sharon gave birth to Dennis Rickman Jr. in 2006, named after his father Dennis Rickman Sr., who was murdered shortly before her son was born. The character has been involved in several storylines as a teenager, including a relationship with a much older woman and a paternity mystery. Dennis Jr. remains a regular in Walford.

Albie Watts: Son with Phil Mitchell

Albie Watts was born in 2017, the result of a brief reconciliation between Sharon and Phil Mitchell. The boy’s paternity was initially uncertain – Sharon briefly considered passing him off as Ian Beale’s child – but DNA tests confirmed Phil as the father. Albie is frequently seen in the Queen Vic and is central to Phil and Sharon’s ongoing co-parenting dynamic.

Sharon’s Role as a Mother

Sharon has been portrayed as a fiercely protective mother, willing to go to extreme lengths to protect her sons. Her parenting has been tested by custody battles, health scares, and the revelation that her half-brother Zack Hudson is biologically related to her. She also has a granddaughter, Alyssa Lennox, through Dennis Jr.

Who Has Sharon Watts Married?

Grant Mitchell (1991–1995)

Sharon’s first marriage was to Grant Mitchell in 1991. The union was turbulent, marked by Grant’s violent temper and infidelity. They divorced in 1995, but the marriage cemented Sharon’s place in the Mitchell family and set the stage for future conflicts.

Phil Mitchell (1996–2001, 2012–2013)

Sharon married Phil Mitchell in 1996, after his relationship with Kathy Beale ended. They divorced in 2001, but remarried in 2012. The second marriage collapsed after Phil’s affair with Shirley Carter was exposed. Despite the splits, Phil and Sharon remain deeply connected through their son Albie and their shared history.

Ian Beale (2015–2016)

In one of the show’s most controversial plots, Sharon married Ian Beale in 2015. The marriage was short-lived and ended when Ian discovered Sharon had been hiding the true paternity of her unborn child. The relationship was widely seen as a strategic move by Sharon to secure financial stability.

Other Significant Relationships

Beyond her marriages, Sharon had a deeply emotional relationship with Dennis Rickman Sr., who was killed in 2006. She also had a brief engagement to Jack Branning and a fling with Keanu Taylor, which led to the “Sheanu” affair storyline that dominated the show in 2019–2020. According to one source, Sharon has been married four times in total, though the exact count depends on whether her second marriage to Phil is counted as a separate event.

Who Plays Sharon Watts? (Letitia Dean)

Letitia Dean: The Actress Behind Sharon Watts

Letitia Jane Dean was born on 14 November 1967, making her 57 years old in 2025. She is an English actress best known for her iconic role as Sharon Watts. Dean first appeared in the role in the show’s debut episode in 1985, when she was 17. She has played the character almost continuously since then, with brief breaks in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her performance has earned her multiple award nominations and a permanent place in soap history.

Sharon Watts’ Real Name (Sharon Ann Watts)

Within the show, Sharon’s full name is Sharon Ann Watts. She was born Sharon Ann Stretton and later adopted by Den and Angie Watts. Through her marriages, she has also been known as Sharon Mitchell and Sharon Rickman. Her biological parents are Gavin Sullivan and Carol Hanley/Stretton, but the adoption by Den and Angie Watts is the family relationship that defines her character.

Letitia Dean’s Career and Other Roles

While Dean is overwhelmingly associated with Sharon Watts, she has taken on other roles. She appeared in the BBC drama The Bill and voiced a character in the animated film Thumbelina. She also participated in the reality show Strictly Come Dancing in 2016. However, her IMDb page shows that the vast majority of her credits are for EastEnders.

When Did Sharon Watts First Appear in EastEnders? (1985)

1. 1985: Arrives in Albert Square as a teenager with adoptive parents Den and Angie Watts.
2. 1991: Marries Grant Mitchell.
3. 1995: Divorces Grant; later has a relationship with Phil Mitchell.
4. 1996: Marries Phil Mitchell.
5. 2001: Leaves Walford with Phil; later returns briefly.
6. 2010: Returns permanently; becomes owner of the Queen Vic.
7. 2012: Remarries Phil Mitchell.
8. 2013: Divorces Phil after his infidelity.
9. 2015: Marries Ian Beale.
10. 2016: Leaves Ian; discovers she is pregnant with Phil’s child.
11. 2017: Gives birth to Albie Watts.
12. 2021: Reveals that Zack Hudson is her half-brother.
13. 2023–2025: Ongoing storylines involving sons Dennis and Albie, and relationships with Mitchell family.

Full timeline information is available on the EastEnders Fandom Wiki and Wikipedia.

Sharon Watts: Facts vs. Fiction

Why Sharon Watts Matters to EastEnders

Sharon Watts is a cornerstone of EastEnders, serving as a link between the original 1985 cast and the modern era. Her marriages to the Mitchell brothers (Grant and Phil) and Ian Beale have driven decades of drama. She represents the evolution of the ‘businesswoman’ archetype, from barmaid to Queen Vic owner. Her complicated family tree (adoption, half-siblings, children) provides continuous storytelling material. The BBC EastEnders official site describes her as one of the most iconic characters in soap history.

Notable Quotes & Sources

“Sharon Watts is one of the most iconic characters in soap history.”

— BBC EastEnders official site

“Letitia Dean has played Sharon for over 35 years, making her one of the longest-serving soap actors.”

— Wikipedia – Sharon Watts

“Sharon’s adoption by Den and Angie Watts remains a central part of her identity.”

— EastEnders Fandom Wiki

What Is the Legacy of Sharon Watts?

Sharon Watts remains one of the most recognisable faces in British television. Her storylines – from teenage love to adult betrayal, from pub landlady to grieving mother – have kept viewers invested for 40 years. With Letitia Dean continuing in the role, Sharon’s influence on Albert Square shows no signs of fading. For a deeper look at the actress, see the Letitia Dean biography and career page.

Frequently Asked Questions