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.
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.
