EastEnders legend Peggy Mitchell returns in special flashback episode – and she’s played by massive household name

PEGGY Mitchell is returning to EastEnders six years after she died.

The BBC soap is bringing back to iconic character for a special flashback episode with actress Jamie Winstone playing the role made famous by Dame Barbara Windsor.

BBC

The late Barbara Windsor played Peggy between 1994 and 2016[/caption]

BBC

Jamie previously played Barbara in biopic Babs, and will take centre stage as Peggy in the special EastEnders episode that will explore the Mitchells chequered past in 1979.

She said: “It’s been such an honour to step into Peggy Mitchell’s shoes for the first time, and into Barbara’s shoes for the second time. 

“There’s certainly a healthy amount of pressure when you’re taking on such an iconic role – I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

“Playing this role has really cemented my love and admiration for Barbara as I got to bookend my journey by playing Peggy Mitchell – I hope I’ve done her justice and I’ve loved every minute of it, I can’t wait for everyone to see the episode.”

The episode will also feature characters from EastEnders history that have never been seen on screen before such as Peggy’s husband Eric (George Russo), Billy Mitchell’s older brother, Charlie (Charlie Heptinstall) and Billy and Charlie’s father, Stephen (Dean Roberts). 

Actor Daniel Delaney will play a young Phil, Teddy Jay as Grant, Henry Garrett as Archie, Rose Reynolds as Glenda and George Greenland as Billy. 

Viewers will see Peggy as she battles to keep her three children safe while her marriage to Eric is beginning to crack.

It will also mark a return for Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell after they were dramatically killed off in 2016.

The younger versions of the duo will be seen with their parents Glenda and Archie.

Meanwhile in the present day Phil grapples with growing pressure from DCI Keeble as he’s inspired by memories of his past.

EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw said:  “We’re delighted to be welcoming an incredible cast of actors to set for this special flashback episode, including the luminous Jaime Winstone as a young Peggy Mitchell. 

“Focussed on the Mitchell family, audiences will embark on a rollercoaster journey to the East End of London in 1979 where they’ll delve into the family’s past, seeing much-loved and iconic characters, as well as meeting characters from the show’s history that have never been seen on screen before. 

“There are twists, turns and secrets revealed – after all, trouble is never too far away where The Mitchells are concerned!”