First look: Jaime Winstone plays a young Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders flashback episode

Jaime Winstone is to star as a young Peggy Mitchell in a special flashback episode of EastEnders.

Airing 5 September, filming is underway for the episode which will centre around the Mitchell family.

Jaime Winstone will lead the cast as Peggy Mitchell having previously played the late Dame Barbara Windsor in BBC biopic Babs.

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).

Further casting for the special are Daniel Delaney as Phil, Teddy Jay as Grant, Henry Garrett as Archie, Rose Reynolds as Glenda and George Greenland as Billy.

The BBC share: “Viewers will be transported to the winter of 1979 as the Mitchells are hit hard by a Britain in economic turmoil. Peggy has her hands full between keeping the boys, Sam and the household in line whilst her marriage to Eric is showing its cracks. Phil and Eric are vying for the title of man of the house as the tension between them rises. Elsewhere, Archie is up to his usual tricks as Glenda does her best to keep the lively Ronnie and Roxy out of trouble.

“As present day Phil grapples with growing pressure from DCI Keeble, audiences will take a journey back to his youth where clues to his present will undoubtedly be revealed… How will revelations about the past influence Phil’s ability to protect his family in 2022?”

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.”

Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, added: “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.”

EastEnders airs weeknights on BBC One.

You can catch up with past episodes on BBC iPlayer here.