Jaime Winstone, who has previously portrayed a young Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders flashbacks, 

is set to return to the beloved soap for a special episode in which she reprises her role as the iconic landlady. 

The return of Peggy comes as part of an ongoing mental health storyline centered on Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), 

and Winstone shared her thoughts on stepping back into the role of one of Albert Square’s most legendary characters.

Stepping into Peggy’s Iconic Shoes

For Winstone, reprising the role of Peggy Mitchell was both an exciting and overwhelming experience. 

“Peggy Mitchell is so iconic – everybody refers to her still, everybody knows her, and it’s such an honour,” the actress shared. “When I knew I was going to be reprising the role, at first, you go, ‘Wow, this is really exciting,’ but 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.”

Winstone’s deep respect for the character shines through, as she reveals the emotional journey she experienced while getting back into character.

Getting Back Into Character

To prepare for the role, Winstone revisited Peggy’s most memorable moments to reconnect with the essence of the character. However, the process of embodying Peggy also required Winstone to separate her portrayal of Barbara Windsor, the actress who originally played Peggy, from her own interpretation of the character. “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.

The defining moment of her transformation came with the famous Peggy wig. “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,” she said. “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.”

Peggy Mitchell’s Iconic Impact

Winstone reflects on what made Barbara Windsor’s portrayal of Peggy so memorable, noting that the character was a groundbreaking force in EastEnders. “Barbara was such a phenomenal actress,” Winstone said. “When Peggy came along and into our front rooms, she was a tiny bundle of motherhood and a force of nature.” Winstone also touched on the complexity of Peggy’s character, particularly the traumas that shaped her protective instincts. “She’s a real representation of a woman who had been through domestic violence and had to protect her children,” Winstone said.

The flashback episodes allowed Winstone to explore new dimensions of Peggy’s past, shedding light on the character’s journey and motivations. “It was magical to take those things and create something new with it,” she added. “It felt very exciting to fill in the gaps for everybody who watches at home.”

Exploring Mental Health with EastEnders

The upcoming episode, which is part of a larger mental health storyline involving Phil Mitchell, will see Winstone’s Peggy appear in a series of hallucinations as Phil battles his own emotional turmoil. Winstone praised EastEnders for its handling of sensitive mental health issues, particularly those related to men’s mental health, which often carries a stigma. “EastEnders grabs the bull by the horns in that sense,” Winstone said. “I think the way the writers haven’t rushed this storyline has been incredibly important.”

Winstone also praised Steve McFadden for his powerful performance as Phil, noting that the storyline is vital in raising awareness about mental health struggles, especially for men. “This isn’t just a storyline; this does happen to the ‘big guys,’ the people you think are tough,” she added. “It’s very bold and brave, and I think we need to see more of that on television.”

Reflecting on EastEnders’ Longevity and Barbara Windsor’s Legacy

Winstone also shared her thoughts on EastEnders’ remarkable 40-year run. She credited the show’s success to its ability to tackle real, hard-hitting issues with authenticity. “The show is not afraid to ‘go there,'” she said. “It grabs people’s hearts, and it makes us all feel at home.” Winstone, who has a deep respect for the EastEnders cast and crew, emphasized the strength of the show’s storytelling and production values.

As the show celebrates its 40th anniversary, Winstone reflected on how proud Barbara Windsor would be of the show’s continued success. “Barbara would be so proud, for sure, and completely blown away,” she said. “EastEnders held a very special place in her heart. It made her the Dame she was and is.”

Winstone’s return as Peggy Mitchell in this special episode marks another poignant chapter in the ongoing EastEnders saga. As the show continues to explore important issues such as mental health, it remains clear that EastEnders’ legacy is built on the power of strong, iconic characters like Peggy Mitchell, who continue to resonate with audiences after decades on screen.

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