Den Watts

Den Watts (born Arthur Leslie Watts, 1945 - presumed dead 2003) was a fictional character from the long-running British soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Leslie Grantham. He was one of the original twenty-three characters when the show first aired in 1985 and became one of its most iconic and controversial figures.

Den was the landlord of The Queen Victoria public house in Walford, the fictional London borough where EastEnders is set. Known by the nickname "Dirty Den" due to his unscrupulous behaviour, he was a complex character with a reputation for womanising, criminal activities, and manipulation, contrasted with occasional moments of charm and a paternal affection towards his adopted daughter, Sharon.

His major storylines included an affair with Michelle Fowler which resulted in a pregnancy, his involvement in organised crime, and his staged death in 1989 after being shot by a hitman. He was sensationally resurrected in 2003, returning to Walford after fourteen years. His return was marked by continued scheming and further conflict, ultimately culminating in his death at the hands of his second wife, Chrissie Watts, in 2005.

Den Watts' impact on British popular culture is significant. His storylines consistently generated high viewing figures and media attention. He is remembered as one of the most memorable and villainous characters in the history of EastEnders.