EastEnders confirms Jaime Winstone return as young Peggy Mitchell amid Phil's mental health crisis

As part of a mental health crisis storyline concerning Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), the character will experience hallucinations reliving moments from his adolescence as he suffers from psychosis amid his psychological decline. The story is also due to see him attempt to end his own life.

The scenes will see Winstone reprise her role as a younger Peggy Mitchell alongside returning guest stars: George Russo as her abusive husband Eric Mitchell, Daniel Delaney as a teenaged Phil Mitchell and Teddy Jay as Phil's younger brother Grant Mitchell.

In addition to these returns from the 2022 Mitchell special, actor Sam Miles has been cast as a young Nigel Bates, the childhood friend of the Mitchell Brothers.

Actor Paul Bradley has been reprising his role as present-day Nigel since Christmas Eve as the character is part of a young-onset dementia storyline.

On her return to the BBC One soap, Jaime Winstone said: "It was such an honour to be welcomed back to play Peggy Mitchell, 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.

"Thank you to all the EastEnders family, this has been such a wonderful experience."

Of course, the role of the icon Peggy Mitchell was originated by the actress Jo Warne as a guest character in 1991 before the legendary Dame Barbara Windsor played the role from 1994 onwards in multiple stints until the character died in 2016.

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw added, discussing the storyline further: "We are thrilled to welcome back the young Mitchells for these special scenes as we lead up to our 40th anniversary week.

"In 2022 fans and critics alike celebrated Jaime’s portrayal of Peggy, and with Phil’s story, this feels like the perfect time for her to reprise the iconic role – joined once again by George, Daniel, Teddy and now Sam as a young Nigel.

"Flashbacks like these give the audience a unique opportunity to understand better Phil’s mindset and the traumatic events that have led him to his mental health crisis."

EastEnders has been working with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness and Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to ensure the story is portrayed as sensitively and accurately as possible.

There will be a lot of focus on the Mitchell clan in the run-up to the 40th anniversary as Ross Kemp reprises his role as present-day Grant Mitchell. At the same time, Billy (Perry Fenwick) and Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) are set to remarry on the day of the anniversary.

If you need help and support on issues raised within this article, please visit Samaritans, CALM, and Rethink Mental Illness for guidance.

Read more:

• How EastEnders is raising awareness of those with young onset dementia who we care for every day
• EastEnders spoilers tease Sonia Fowler's suspicions over killer Reiss Colwell after Bianca Jackson confession
• EastEnders airs crucial Cindy Beale attack suspect cliffhanger in early iPlayer edition
• EastEnders airs update on absent major character in early BBC iPlayer release
• EastEnders fans have the chance to appear in an episode – here's how
• EastEnders confirms 40th anniversary documentary with Ross Kemp and 2 iconic former stars
• Why EastEnders must not resurrect Grant Mitchell and Sharon Watts's romance
• EastEnders airs tribute to iconic Peggy Mitchell line in early iPlayer episode
• EastEnders 2025 preview: 12 spoilers for the year ahead

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

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