Actress Jaime Winstone has shared her emotional experience of stepping back into the role of a young Peggy Mitchell in an upcoming episode of EastEnders, describing the feeling as “overwhelming” due to the character’s lasting legacy.

The episode will play a key role in a mental health storyline focusing on Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who begins experiencing symptoms of psychosis as his depression deepens. During a hallucinatory episode, Phil finds himself transported back to 1985, where he encounters his younger mother, Peggy Mitchell, played by Winstone.

“Such an Honour” to Play Peggy Again

Reflecting on her return, Winstone said:

“Peggy Mitchell is so iconic: Everybody refers to her still, everybody knows her, and it’s such an honour. When I knew I was going to be reprising the role, at first, you go, ‘Wow, this is really exciting.’ Then you read the context of the script and get into it. We all grew up with Peggy in our front rooms, so it’s an overwhelming feeling because she’s such a strong, amazing character.”

Dame Barbara Windsor, who played Peggy for more than two decades from 1994, remains one of EastEnders’ most beloved figures. She sadly passed away in December 2020 at the age of 83, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014.

Winstone first portrayed young Peggy in a 1979-based flashback episode in 2022, which explored Peggy’s struggles to keep her family together as her marriage to Eric Mitchell (George Russo) began to unravel. She described that episode as revealing why Peggy became so feisty, so proud of her boys, and fiercely protective.

“She’s a real representation of a woman who had been through domestic violence and had to protect her children,” she added.

Rewatching Peggy’s Iconic Moments to Prepare

To prepare for her return, Winstone revisited some of Peggy Mitchell’s most iconic moments. However, she revealed that it’s putting on Peggy’s signature voluminous blonde wig that truly transforms her into the character.

“As soon as I put that wig on in the make-up chair, I always feel such warmth and confidence because I feel like Barbara’s giving me the go-ahead. The moment the wig goes on, everybody is quiet in the make-up room. It happens, and then all of a sudden, I look at myself in the mirror, and the giggle comes out, and she’s just there. She just makes her presence known.”

What to Expect as Peggy Mitchell Returns to EastEnders

The upcoming flashback scene will show Phil Mitchell as a teenager, played by Daniel Delaney, witnessing a pivotal moment in his past. It will also allow him to confront his younger self, offering insight into the deep-rooted struggles that have shaped his character.

Phil’s mental health battle intensifies in the wake of his failed marriage to Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Sharon Watts’ (Letitia Dean) new romance with his long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian).

Returning alongside Winstone are George Russo, reprising his role as Eric Mitchell, and Teddy Jay, playing a young Grant Mitchell.

Winstone praised EastEnders for handling men’s mental health sensitively, saying:

“There is such a stigma around men’s mental health, particularly. I think the way the writers haven’t rushed this storyline has been incredibly important. EastEnders has been so clever doing this story with such a beloved character and an amazing actor.”

She commended Steve McFadden’s performance, calling it “amazing”, and highlighted how the show has collaborated with mental health charities such as Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, CALM, and Mind to ensure the storyline is portrayed sensitively and accurately.

Grant Mitchell’s Long-Awaited Return

Adding to the excitement, EastEnders has confirmed that Ross Kemp will return to Albert Square as Grant Mitchell later this year, marking his first appearance in almost a decade as part of the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Fans of EastEnders can expect a powerful, emotional episode that dives deep into Phil’s troubled past and his ongoing battle with mental health issues, all while revisiting the legacy of Peggy Mitchell in a way that honours Dame Barbara Windsor’s unforgettable portrayal.

The special episode featuring Winstone as Peggy is set to air soon on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.