EastEnders fans are in for a treat this week as Jaime Winstone returns to the iconic soap for a special episode, reprising her role as young Peggy Mitchell. 

The actress first took on the part of a younger version of the legendary Mitchell matriarch in 2022, 

during a flashback episode that provided fans with a glimpse into the family’s history in the 1970s.

The upcoming episode, airing on February 13, will see Winstone’s portrayal of Peggy return as part of a pivotal moment in the storyline surrounding her son, Phil Mitchell. 

In recent months, Phil, played by Steve McFadden, has been battling depression, culminating in a heartbreaking attempt to take his own life on February 3. 

As his mental health continues to deteriorate, Phil will begin to hallucinate, bringing Peggy’s memory back to the forefront in this emotional episode.

Winstone shared her thoughts on reprising the role of Peggy Mitchell, acknowledging the gravity of playing such an iconic character. “It’s such an honour,” Winstone admitted, adding that the experience was “overwhelming.” She went on to explain how stepping back into the role made her reflect on Peggy’s place in British television culture. “We all grew up with Peggy in our front rooms, so it’s an overwhelming feeling because she’s such a strong, amazing character.”

Peggy Mitchell, originally portrayed by the late Barbara Windsor, was a cornerstone of EastEnders for decades, and Winstone’s portrayal of the younger Peggy in the flashback episode helped bring the character’s early years to life. To prepare for her return to the role, Winstone revisited some of Peggy’s most iconic moments from the show. “I had to separate me knowing Barbara Windsor in real life, playing Barbara in Babs, and taking on the role of Peggy now twice,” she explained.

Winstone also revealed that one of the most defining moments in getting into character came when she put on the iconic Peggy Mitchell wig. “I think it really all hits home when it’s time for the wig,” she said. “As soon as I put that wig on in the makeup chair, I always feel such warmth and confidence because I feel like Barbara’s giving me the go-ahead.” The actress noted that the atmosphere in the makeup room becomes electric when she dons the wig, with everyone falling silent in anticipation. “The moment the wig goes on, everybody is quiet in the makeup 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,” Winstone shared.

The upcoming special episode promises to be a deeply emotional and reflective one for EastEnders fans, as they witness Phil’s mental health struggles and his emotional connection to his mother, Peggy. The return of the flashback cast, including Winstone as young Peggy, adds a layer of nostalgia and poignancy, reminding viewers of Peggy’s enduring influence on the Mitchell family and the soap as a whole.

Since first stepping into the role of Peggy Mitchell, Winstone has received widespread praise for her portrayal of the younger version of the iconic character. Her nuanced performance has allowed audiences to see a different side of Peggy, capturing her strength and determination in her formative years while paying homage to Windsor’s unforgettable portrayal of the matriarch in later years. Winstone’s return for this special episode is sure to stir up emotions as fans reflect on Peggy’s impact on the Mitchell family legacy.

As Phil continues to face his struggles, the return of Peggy’s memory serves as a reminder of the powerful influence mothers can have on their children, especially in times of crisis. Fans can look forward to an emotional and moving episode, filled with memorable moments and a fitting tribute to both Peggy Mitchell and Barbara Windsor, whose legacy continues to live on in EastEnders.

The special episode, set to air on February 13, is a must-watch for EastEnders fans, as it brings together the past and present of the Mitchell family, while offering a glimpse into the emotional journey of one of the show’s most beloved characters.

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