The character of  “Dirty” Den Watts seems to have caused the most controversy of any Eastenders character - even the actor himself (Leslie Grantham had issues in his personal life).  Den will go down as the only man ever to have been “killed” twice.

There were some great storylines with Den, who was a “jack the lad”, always had an answer and did not seem scared of anyone.  His first big mistake was getting involved with the local Mafia, and he was in their pockets from that moment on.  His on-off relationship with Angie Watts was classic TV, as they fought like cat and dog, but strangely appeared destined to be together.

 

The first of Dirty Den’s “deaths” occurred in February 1989 when after going on the run, he agreed to meet up with Michelle Fowler (the mother of his love child) by the canal.  After they parted, Den spotted a man walking towards him about to draw something from his pocket - it was a gun.  We heard the blast and what appeared to be Den falling into the water………….but all was not as it seemed.