Regardless of all of the twists and turns thatEastEnders has to give, one thing will always remain constant – the Queen Vic.

As a popular location on Albert Square, the Queen Vic has been the backdrop to its fair share of drama throughout the years, whether that be in the form of fights or relationship break-ups.

As a result,it takes some pretty iconic characters to call themselves the landlord or landlady of the Queen Vic. With that in mind, let’s take a peek at all those who have taken on the challenge in the past…

Leslie Grantham

Known for starring as Dirty Den Watts, Leslie Graham was the owner of the Queen Vic in the 1980s and had a pretty dramatic time on Albert Square. While he departed from the soap in 1989, Leslie returned in 2003 after supposedly being dead, though finally said goodbye to the square shortly after.

Following his time on the BBC One show, Leslie took part in two UK tours of the play Beyond Reasonable Doubt and starred in a production of A Christmas Carol in 2010.

In 2018, it was announced that the soap star had sadly passed away at the age of 71.

Anita Dobson

Playing Angie Watts, who was Dirty Den’s wife, Anita Dobson was Queen Vic owner for a three year period between 1985 and 1988 before her character departed from the soap at the end of the decade.

Since stepping back from EastEnders, Anita, who is married to Queen legend Brian May, has appeared in shows including Doctor Who and Casualty. In 2011, she even put her footwork to the test when she appeared onStrictly Come Dancing alongside pro dancer Robin Windsor.

But away from the small screen, the 73 year old is just as iconic on stage thanks to appearances in productions including Wicked and Fiddler On The Roof.

Barbara Windsor

Between 1994 and 2016,Dame Barbara Windsor was known to people up and down the country for her portrayal of the infamous Peggy Mitchell.

Notorious for birthing the incredible “Get out of my pub” one-liner, Barbara was owner of the Queen Vic for five of the years that she was on Albert Square, though remained central to the soap for the remainder of her time.

Sadly two years after leaving EastEnders, Barbara’s husbandScott Mitchell revealed that the star had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and she tragically died in 2020.

Martin Kemp

He may be best known as being part of new wave band Spandau Ballet but Martin Kemp briefly took ownership of the Queen Vic in 2001.

As Steve Owen in the square, Martin was only in EastEnders for four years though has continued to pursue an acting career in shows including Waterloo Road.

More recently, viewers may recognise him thanks to recent appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox alongside his son Martin Kemp.

The 61 year oldalso took part in the latest series of The Masked Singer with his wife, and former Wham! star, Shirley.

Tracy Ann Oberman

Besides being Dirty Den’s on screen wife, Tracey Ann Oberman was landlady at the Queen Vic in 2005 when she played the role of Chrissie Watts.

On stage and on screen, Tracy has remained in the limelight and has secured credits in shows including Friday Night Dinner, After Life and It’s A Sin.

Elsewhere, the TV personality has also turned her hand to radio sketch shows and has worked alongside the likes of Catherine Tate and John Simm.

Rita Simons

After arriving in Albert Square in 2007,Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell, took over the Queen Vic in 2010. However, she left the soap when her character sadly died in a tragic accident in 2017.

Away from EastEnders, Rita appeared onI’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2018 after being convinced to give the show a go by famous pal, and former campmate, Larry Lamb.

More recently, the 45 year oldbravely opened up to OK! about her recent hysterectomy and the reasons behind it.

Adam Woodyatt

Despite first joining EastEnders back in 1985, it wasn’t until 2020 thatAdam Woodyatt saw himself at the helm of The Queen Vic. However, his stint was short-lived after the long running cast member, best known for playing Ian Beale, departed the soap just months later.

Away from the BBC One show, Ian became a fan favourite on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2021 When he entered as a late comer alongside Coronation Street star Simon Gregson.

Since being a regular face on the square, Ian has undergone an incredible transformation and shed three stone after ditching drinking and taking up cycling.

Danny Dyer

While Adam briefly was landlord in 2020,Danny Dyer, who played Mick Carter, spent a total of nine years at the Queen Vic prior to his exit last year.

Up until 2022, the actor was also the host of game show The Wall on BBC One. These days, Danny is gearing up to become a grandfather for the second and third time ashis daughter Dani Dyer prepares to give birth to identical twin girls.

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