EastEnders is reportedly gearing up to air a major storyline featuring the return of four significant characters. 

English actress Jaime Winstone, 39, is making a dramatic comeback to the BBC soap, according to The Mirror.

She is said to be stepping back into the role of a young Peggy Mitchell for a storyline focused on the mental health struggles of Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). 

Fans of the show will likely remember Jaime for her portrayal of Dame Barbara Windsor in the 2017 biopic Babs. 

She previously played a younger version of Peggy Mitchell in an episode set in 1979 and now, Jaime will return for scenes set in 1985. 

At present, Phil has been grappling with feelings of isolation, particularly after his ex, Sharon Watts (Leтιтia Dean), began a romance with his long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), alongside the breakdown of his marriage to Kathleen ‘Kat’ Slater. 

As Phil battles depression and experiences psycH๏τic symptoms, viewers will see the severity of his condition through troubling hallucinations of a young Peggy from his past. 

EastEnders is gearing up to air a major storyline featuring the return of four significant characters including English actress Jaime Winstone, 39 (pictured on the show)

Jaime will be stepping back into the role of a young Peggy Mitchell for a storyline focused on the mental health struggles of Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden)

In an emotionally charged upcoming sequence, EastEnders will depict Phil as an observer of a pivotal moment in his teenage years, interacting with his younger self (Daniel Delaney) in the iconic setting of The Square and the infamous No. 55. 

George Russo and Teddy Jay will also reprise their roles as youthful versions of Eric and Grant Mitchell, respectively. 

Additionally, Sam Miles will be introduced as the younger Nigel Bates, following Paul Bradley’s nostalgic return last year as Phil’s longtime friend. 

Reflecting on her return to the soap, Jaime shared: ‘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.’

She also expressed her graтιтude to the cast and crew, adding: ‘Thank you to all the EastEnders family, this has been such a wonderful experience.’ 

As the show delves into Phil’s depression storyline, EastEnders is working closely with mental health charities including The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, CALM, and Mind to ensure the subject is handled with the utmost care. 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of EastEnders, which will also see the return of Phil’s brother Grant (Ross Kemp) after nearly a decade. 

Fans of the show will likely remember Jaime for her portrayal of Dame Barbara Windsor (left) in the 2017 biopic Babs 

She previously played a younger version of Peggy Mitchell in an episode set in 1979 and now, Jaime will return for scenes set in 1985 (George Russo, Daniel Delaney, Jaime, Teddy Jay, George Greenland, and Charlie Heptinstall pictured)

Read More EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell attempts suicide as his depression spirals in new hard-hitting mental health storyline

Though his return is being kept under wraps, it’s expected to be an ‘explosive’ one. 

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw expressed excitement over the upcoming episodes: ‘We are thrilled to welcome back the young Mitchells for these special scenes as we lead up to our 40th anniversary week.’ 

He also praised Jaime’s previous performance, noting: ‘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.’ 

Chris emphasised the importance of flashbacks, saying: ‘Flashbacks like these give the audience a unique opportunity to better understand Phil’s mindset and the traumatic events that have led him to his mental health crisis.’