Jaime Winstone to play ‘Peggy Mitchell’ in flashback episode of EastEnders

This autumn, the BBC soap will air a flashback episode focused on the Mitchell family with Jaime Winstone playing the role of Peggy Mitchell.

Having previously played the lady herself in the BBC biopic Babs, Winstone has now been tasked with bringing to life a younger version of Dame Barbara Windsor’s EastEnders character.

Jaime Winstone, said:

“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.”

The episode will also feature characters from EastEnders history that have never been seen on screen before such as Peggy’s husband Eric (George Russo), Billy Mitchell’s older brother, Charlie (Charlie Heptinstall) and Billy and Charlie’s father, Stephen (Dean Roberts).

Also joining the cast are: Daniel Delaney as Phil, Teddy Jay as Grant, Henry Garrett as Archie, Rose Reynolds as Glenda and George Greenland as Billy.

Jaime Winstone as Peggy Mitchell

Filming is currently taking place on the episode which will transport viewers back to the Winter of 1979, as the Mitchells are hit hard by a Britain in economic turmoil. While Peggy’s marriage to Eric is beginning to show cracks, she keeps the boys, Sam, and the household in line. There’s tension between Phil and Eric as they vie for the title of man of the house.

Elsewhere, while Glenda tries to keep Ronnie and Roxy out of trouble, Archie is up to his usual tricks.

In the present, Phil (Steve McFadden) is grappling with increasing pressure from DCI Keeble (Alison Newman), who had him sent to prison in March. In July, with prison life becoming ever more hostile, Phil had no choice but to accept Keeble’s offer to become an informant to secure his release.

As viewers take a trip back to Phil’s youth, there will be some ‘clues to the present’ as well as ‘revelations about the past’ – but how will these revelations influence Phil’s ability to protect his family in 2022?

Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, said:

“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 – after all, trouble is never too far away where The Mitchells are concerned!”

EastEnders airs Monday-Friday at 7.30pm on BBC One.