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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jasmine Allday

Jaime Winstone to play a young Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders flashback episode

EastEnders are working on a special flashback episode - which will see Peggy Mitchell back on our screens.

The BBC soap has confirmed it is currently filming scenes centred around the Mitchell family, with actress Jaime Winstone set to step into the famous character's shoes for the very special episode.

The legendary EastEnders character was played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor before her tragic death, but for this flashback episode, Jaime will take on the role having previously played Barbara in BBC biopic Babs.

The Mitchells have an incredibly chequered past and as it unravels, a tumultuous journey for Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) will begin as he is forced to take a long hard look at his life and some things from the past he'd rather forget.

Jaime will play Peggy Mitchell in a special flashback episode (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
It will be set in the late 1970s and explore how Phil's tumultuous past has brought him to this day (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Jaime said of her role: "It’s been such an honour to step into Peggy Mitchell’s shoes for the first time, and into Barbara’s shoes for the second time. There’s certainly a healthy amount of pressure when you’re taking on such an iconic role - I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"Playing this role has really cemented my love and admiration for Barbara as I got to bookend my journey by playing Peggy Mitchell – I hope I’ve done her justice and I’ve loved every minute of it, I can’t wait for everyone to see the episode."

Never before seen characters will also make their debut in this special episode, including Peggy’s husband Eric (George Russo), Billy Mitchell’s older brother, Charlie (Charlie Heptinstall) and Billy and Charlie’s father, Stephen (Dean Roberts).

Peggy Mitchell was played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor (PA)

Daniel Delaney will also join the cast as Phil, Teddy Jay as Grant, Henry Garrett as Archie, Rose Reynolds as Glenda and George Greenland as Billy, as they are all set to play their legendary counterparts.

The episode will be set in the cold winter of 1979, as the Mitchell matriarch tries to keep everything afloat including looking after the boys and Sam, whilst things don't seem to be doing too well in her marriage to Eric.

Elsewhere, tension is rising as Phil and Eric compete to be man of the house, whilst in the present day, Phil tries to cope with the continuing and building pressure from DCI Keeble.

Phil Mitchell's past will be explored in the special flashback episode (BBC)

Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, said of the upcoming episode: "We’re delighted to be welcoming an incredible cast of actors to set for this special flashback episode, including the luminous Jaime Winstone as a young Peggy Mitchell.

"Focussed on the Mitchell family, audiences will embark on a rollercoaster journey to the East End of London in 1979 where they’ll delve into the family’s past, seeing much-loved and iconic characters, as well as meeting characters from the show’s history that have never been seen on screen before. There are twists, turns and secrets revealed."

He adds: "After all, trouble is never too far away where The Mitchells are concerned!"

But how will the revelations about what happened to Phil in the past impact how he protects his family in the present?

*EastEnders airs Mondays through Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.

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