S Poddar
The beloved Peggy Mitchell is returning to Albert Square, but not exactly as anyone could have anticipated. The role will be taken on by Jaime Winstone, who stole the hearts of viewers when she played the feisty Mitchell matriarch in the 2022 flashback episode.
However, this return won’t be a joyous family reunion. Instead, Winstone will appear in Phil Mitchell’s hallucinations as he grapples with a severe mental health crisis. Steve McFadden, who plays Phil, will depict his character’s descent into psychosis, culminating in a harrowing suicide attempt.
These will take viewers back to 1985, and they will see a glimpse into Phil’s troubled adolescence. The return of familiar faces includes that of Winstone as the young Peggy, George Russo as her husband Eric Mitchell, who was abusive towards her; Daniel Delaney as teenage Phil; and Teddy Jay as the younger brother of Phil, Grant.
To the returning list of stars are added Sam Miles in the role of young Nigel Bates, the friend of the Mitchell brothers since childhood days. This would dovetail well with the developing storyline involving old Nigel, to be played by Paul Bradley.
Jaime Winstone, talking to the media on her return said, “This is a wonderful honor to slip into Peggy’s shoes. She’s an iconic figure, and getting to be part of this all-important story arc for the Mitchells has both been tough but incredibly fulfilling, and I truly hope I haven’t betrayed that incredible woman.”
The role of Peggy Mitchell is one of the most iconic in EastEnders history. Jo Warne first played the character in 1991, but it was the legendary Dame Barbara Windsor who brought Peggy to life with her iconic performances from 1994 until the character’s heartbreaking departure in 2016.
According to executive producer Chris Clenshaw, the flashback scenes have a special importance: “We are delighted to be bringing back the young Mitchells as we move towards our 40th anniversary. Jaime’s performance as Peggy in 2022 was outstanding. With Phil’s mental health crisis unfolding, it felt like the right time to bring her back, along with George, Daniel, Teddy, and now Sam as young Nigel. These flashbacks provide a unique window into Phil’s past, which will help viewers understand the traumatic events that have shaped his present.”
EastEnders has collaborated with mental health organizations such as The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, and Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to ensure this sensitive storyline is portrayed with accuracy and respect.
The Mitchell family will be the core of the 40th-anniversary celebrations. Ross Kemp is scheduled to reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, and Billy (Perry Fenwick) and Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) will renew their vows on this momentous occasion.
