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EastEnders to air Mitchells-centric flashback episode set in 1979

EastEnders to air Mitchells-centric flashback episode set in 1979
© BBC
Jaime Winstone will play the iconic Peggy Mitchell in a special flashback episode of EastEnders airing this autumn.

Jaime Winstone will play Peggy Mitchell in a special flashback episode of EastEnders set more than 40 years ago.

The iconic character - matriarch of the Mitchell family and long-time landlady of the Queen Vic - was played by the late legend Dame Barbara Windsor between 1994 and 2016.

The special episode is set in 1979 and will introduce viewers to Peggy's husband Eric (George Russo) and young versions of Grant (Teddy Jay), Phil (Daniel Delaney), Billy (George Greenland), Sam, Ronnie and Roxy.

Also featuring in the flashback are Billy's older brother Charlie (Charlie Heptinstall), Archie Mitchell (Henry Garrett) and Stephen (Dean Roberts), the father of Billy and Charlie.

The retro scenes will play out alongside a present-day storyline which will see Phil (Steve McFadden) take a journey into his family's past amid growing pressure from DCI Keeble.

Winstone, who previously played Windsor in the biopic Babs, 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."

EE exec producer Chris Clenshaw 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!"

The special episode is currently being filmed and will air on BBC One at some point this autumn.

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