Jaime Winstone has opened up about her emotional return to EastEnders for a special episode in which she will once again step into the shoes of the iconic Peggy Mitchell.
The actress, known for her portrayal of the legendary character in both a 2022 flashback episode and the 2017 biopic Babs, will reprise the role on Thursday night in an episode that delves into Phil Mitchell’s ongoing mental health struggles.
The upcoming episode, set in 1985, will see Phil, played by Steve McFadden, experiencing a psychological breakdown and hallucinating scenes from his past.
As part of these hallucinations, he is transported back to the Mitchell family home, where viewers will witness a key moment from his teenage years,
with Daniel Delaney playing the younger Phil. Peggy, played by Winstone, will once again make an appearance, marking a poignant return to Albert Square for the actress.
Winstone, who first played a young Peggy Mitchell in 2022, spoke candidly about how it feels to return to the role.
“It’s such an honour to be welcomed back to play Peggy Mitchell,” she told the Mirror. “She is a dream role for me, so to be able to contribute to this iconic family on this major storyline has been such a joyous and emotional journey, and I truly hope I have done her justice.”
The actress revealed that stepping back into the character of Peggy brings with it a flood of emotions, especially when it comes to the moment she dons the famous Peggy Mitchell wig. “I think it really all hits home when it’s time for the wig,” Winstone explained. “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.”
Winstone’s portrayal of Peggy has been widely praised, and her return for this special episode is expected to add depth to the ongoing storyline surrounding Phil’s mental health. In the 2022 flashback episode, Winstone’s performance as young Peggy was celebrated for capturing the essence of the character’s strength and determination. Now, with the focus on Phil’s mental health crisis, Winstone’s portrayal of Peggy provides a unique opportunity to explore the trauma and family dynamics that have shaped the Mitchells over the years.
The upcoming special episode is set to shine a spotlight on the challenges Phil is facing as he continues to grapple with depression, ultimately leading him to a moment of crisis. With Peggy’s presence in his hallucinations, viewers will gain insight into the deep emotional scars that have shaped Phil’s life and mental health struggles. As Phil’s hallucinations bring him back to pivotal moments in his childhood, fans will be able to witness the Mitchell family’s history in a fresh and impactful way.
Winstone expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from the EastEnders cast and crew, saying, “Thank you to all the EastEnders family, this has been such a wonderful experience.” She also paid tribute to Dame Barbara Windsor, the original Peggy Mitchell, who passed away in 2020 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. “The moment the wig goes on, everybody is quiet in the makeup room,” Winstone said. “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.”
The episode is part of a larger storyline focused on mental health, with EastEnders working closely with mental health charities such as The Samaritans, Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and CALM to ensure the topic is handled sensitively. This marks a significant moment in EastEnders history, as the show continues to explore important and difficult topics in a compassionate and thoughtful way.
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer of EastEnders, expressed excitement over Winstone’s return to the show. He praised the actress for her previous portrayal of Peggy, saying, “In 2022, fans and critics alike celebrated Jaime’s portrayal of Peggy.” He also highlighted the importance of the flashback episodes in providing context to Phil’s mental health journey. “Flashbacks like these give the audience a unique opportunity to better understand Phil’s mindset and the traumatic events that have led him to his mental health crisis.”
As EastEnders prepares for its 40th anniversary celebrations, this special episode featuring Winstone’s return as Peggy Mitchell promises to be a memorable and emotional one for fans. The return of the young Mitchell family and the exploration of Phil’s mental health issues is sure to captivate audiences, offering a poignant reflection on the enduring impact of family, trauma, and resilience.
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