EastEnders spoilers follow.
Note: This article contains discussion of topics including depression and suicide.
EastEnders star Jaime Winstone has opened up about reprising her iconic role for an upcoming special episode.
In 2022, Winstone guest-starred as a young Peggy Mitchell in a flashback episode revolving around the legendary Mitchell clan. Viewers were taken back to the 1970s in order to discover how the family became the icons they are today.
Recent months have seen Peggy's son Phil Mitchell struggling with depression, before sadly attempting to take his own life last week (February 3).
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In an upcoming special episode, Phil's mental health continues to deteriorate, leading to him hallucinating scenes from his family home in 1985. Airing on February 13, the episode will see the return of the 2022 flashback cast, including Winstone as young Peggy.
Speaking about her role reprisal, the actor shared that it was "such an honour", but admitted it was also "overwhelming".
"At first, you go, 'Wow, this is really exciting', then you read the context of the script and get into it," she said. "We all grew up with Peggy in our front rooms, so it's an overwhelming feeling because she's such a strong, amazing character."
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Winstone explained that she rewatched Peggy's "most iconic moments" in order to get back into the character. "I had to separate me knowing Barbara Windsor in real life, playing Barbara in Babs and taking on the role of Peggy now twice.
"I think it really all hits home when it's time for the wig. As soon as I put that wig on in the makeup chair, I always feel such warmth and confidence because I feel like Barbara's giving me the go-ahead."
She added: "The moment the wig goes on, everybody is quiet in the makeup room. It happens, and then, all of a sudden, I look at myself in the mirror, and the giggle comes out, and she's just there, she just makes her presence known."
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
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We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
