EastEnders to bring back major characters for special flashback episode

Virgin Radio

27 Jul 2022, 10:04

EastEnders legend Peggy Mitchell will be making a return in a special flashback episode with actress Jaime Winston playing the iconic landlady later this year.

Peggy, who was previously played by Dame Barbara Windsor, will be leading the cast in the special episode of the long-running BBC soap as we take a delve into the Mitchells' complicated past.

Not only will fans be reunited with their beloved Peggy Mitchell, but a few more characters are making a return in the flashback too.

Sisters Roxy and Ronnie (actors to be announced) will be cropping up along with Grant Mitchell (Teddy Jay). We will also see a young Phil (Daniel Delaney), as well as the villainous Archie (Henry Garrett) and Glenda (Rose Reynolds).

Other characters from EastEnders history will also feature, including Peggy’s husband Eric, Billy’s older brother Charlie and their father Stephen.

During the episode, which will air in the autumn, viewers will be taken back to 1979 when the Mitchells, like the rest of the country, are dealing with economic hardship and struggling to get by.

A present-day Phil (Steve McFadden) will be transported back to those years as he learns more about his family with some hard truths that are set to change everything and might even help him overcome the formidable DCI Keeble.

Speaking about becoming the legendary Peggy Mitchell, Jamie Winstone said: “It’s such an honour to step into Peggy Mitchell’s shows for the first time, and into Barbara’s shoes for a 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.”

Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders’ Executive Producer, 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.

“Focused 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!”

This comes after Shane Ritchie announced he would be reprising his role as Alfie Moon and returning to Walford Square later this year.

EastEnders airs Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One.