Letitia Dean reveals four dress sizes shed in weight loss ahead of EastEnders trailer

Letitia Dean’s latest television moment has drawn attention for her dramatic weight loss, with the EastEnders star shedding about four dress sizes ahead of a BBC trailer for the show's upcoming episodes. The 57-year-old, who has played Sharon Watts since 1985, was photographed leaving a taxi outside the Queen Vic with her son Albie, wearing black skin-tight trousers and a floral fitted blouse as she shared a tense moment with Zoe Slater, the on-screen killer of Den Watts.

The transformation has been reflected in the numbers reported by viewers, with Dean moving from about 10st 4lbs to 8st 3lbs. She has attributed the change to a disciplined approach that includes eating grilled skinless chicken and plenty of greens, after years of yo-yo dieting. The revelation comes as the BBC trailer features the beloved soap couple reuniting in a highly anticipated scene, prompting fan speculation about the direction of Sharon Watts’s story.

In an interview published by Closer magazine, Dean explained that the shift began after she completed Strictly Come Dancing and its live tour. "But the main reason I wanted to do something about my figure was that I was so sick of extreme dieting and my weight yo-yoing," she said. "I just woke up one morning, and I’d had enough. For years and years—as long as I can remember—my weight had yo-yoed up and down. I’d go on fad diets like Atkins or I’d only eat eggs." The star noted that she decided to pursue a more sustainable path rather than resorting to drastic crash diets.

Fans took to social media to celebrate the transformation, with messages praising her look and encouraging Sharon Watts’s return. Posts described Dean as looking "incredible" and welcomed her back to the screen with enthusiasm, reflecting the enduring affection for her character.

Dean has said that the new approach is not just about lowering the number on the scale but about building a healthier, sustainable routine. She has described a daily regimen that keeps her to roughly 1,300 calories, complemented by a balance of nutrients and regular physical activity, including boxing and running. The move comes with cautionary context provided by health guidance; for example, the NHS notes that typical daily calorie needs are around 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 calories for men, though individual requirements vary based on age, activity, and metabolism. Dean’s plan appears tailored to her own body and fitness goals, rather than a universal prescription.

Letitia Dean has been a staple of EastEnders for four decades, with ongoing runs in the role of Sharon Watts since 1985. Her character has appeared in multiple stints: from 1985 to 1995, then 2001 to 2006, and from 2012 to the present. Beyond EastEnders, Dean’s television career includes roles in Casualty, The Bill, and Doctors, as well as appearances on reality and variety programs such as Going Live!, Splash, Live & Kicking, This Is Your Life and Strictly Come Dancing as herself. On stage, she has taken on parts in productions including High School Musical, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Loot, demonstrating a broad range of acting credits as she continues to entertain audiences both at home and on screen.

As the BBC trailer unfolds, viewers will be watching not only for the drama of Sharon Watts’s interactions with Zoe Slater but also for the ongoing, evolving story of a longtime soap favorite who has balanced demanding acting roles with a renewed focus on health and fitness. The episode sneak peek has sparked conversation about how real-life journeys with diet and exercise can intersect with the lives of beloved characters, and how audiences respond when a long-running cast member returns with a transformed appearance that still remains true to the character they know.