PH๏τographs have revealed a sneak peak of an iconic EastEnders character’s return to the popular soap. 

Recent episodes of the beloved BBC show have seen Phil Mitchell, portrayed by Steve McFadden, struggle with his mental health. 

The storyline exploring Phil’s struggles is set to develop further as he experiences troubling hallucinations of the past in an upcoming instalment airing on February 13.

The scenes will see Jaime Winstone, 39, make a comeback to the soap as a young Peggy Mitchell – Phil’s mother. 

PH๏τographs of the drama show Jaime in character with an 80s style voluminous hairdo. 

She wears a yellow turtle-neck top and a patterned apron while Eric Mitchell, played by George Russo, points at her while holding a glᴀss in one sH๏τ. 

George Russo as Eric Mitchell and Jaime Winstone as Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders

Ross Kemp in character as Phil’s brother, Grant Mitchell, on the popular soap

The scenes will see Jaime Winstone , 39, make a comeback to the soap as a young Peggy Mitchell – Phil’s mother

Another image shows Peggy and Phil sat side by side staring straight ahead. 

Peggy looks serious while Phil seems to be troubled, with one arm resting on a table. 

In a third pH๏τograph, Phil’s brother Grant – played by Ross Kemp – appears to look concerned as he stands in a doorway.

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.

Phil’s hallucinations will take him back to the Mitchell family home and see him watch a pivotal moment from his teenage years as Daniel Delaney plays his younger self.

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 

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.’ 

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)

Barbara Windsor previously played fearsome landlady Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders before she retired aged 79 as dementia took its toll, forcing the beloved 4ft 10in actress to stop.

She pᴀssed away in December 2020 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and boasted a 66-year career in showbiz. 

At the time, the BBC said in a statement: ‘We are all deeply saddened that that we’ve lost our Dame. From the moment Barbara stepped foot in Walford she created an icon in Peggy Mitchell, our formidable Landlady, who the audience instantly fell in love with.

‘But to all of us at EastEnders, she was our dearest friend who was truly loved and adored by everyone. Our thoughts go out to Scott and Barbara’s family. Rest in peace Dame Barbara Windsor, MBE.’