February 9th 2025.
Jaime Winstone is stepping back in time once again to play the iconic Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders. One of the show's greatest strengths is its ability to delve into its own rich history and that of its various iconic families. This time, we are taken on a journey into the past of the Mitchell clan, with Jaime Winstone taking on the pivotal role of the legendary Peggy Mitchell, played by Dame Barbara Windsor.
In this new storyline, viewers will witness Phil Mitchell struggling with psychosis and depression, causing him to communicate with both his mother and a younger version of himself. This will lead to major revelations and developments as the show approaches its 40th anniversary in a dramatic, emotional, and spectacular fashion. Jaime herself is thrilled to be reprising the role of Peggy and is full of praise for EastEnders' handling of mental health storylines, as well as its enduring success over the past four decades.
When asked about stepping back into Peggy's shoes, Jaime admits to feeling overwhelmed and honoured to play such an iconic and beloved character. She explains that the excitement of taking on the role soon gives way to the realization of the responsibility that comes with it. To prepare for the role, Jaime re-watched Peggy's most iconic moments and had to mentally separate herself from her real-life friendship with Barbara Windsor, as well as her previous portrayal of a younger Barbara in the docu-drama "Babs".
This is not the first time that Jaime has had the privilege of playing Peggy, as she previously portrayed the character in a special episode of EastEnders and also played a younger Barbara in "Babs". However, she admits that it truly hits home when she puts on Peggy's signature wig. In the makeup chair, there is a sense of quiet reverence as the wig is placed on her head, and Jaime feels as though Barbara is giving her the go-ahead to take on the role. She describes the moment as magical and says that Peggy's presence is immediately felt.
Peggy Mitchell is one of Albert Square's most beloved characters, and Jaime believes that this is due to both Barbara's phenomenal acting skills and the character's complex nature. She explains that while Peggy may have been a fierce and proud mother figure on the surface, there were many layers to her character that were slowly revealed over time. In the flashback episode, viewers were able to see the pieces of Peggy's past that shaped her into the strong and protective woman she became. Jaime believes that Peggy is a representation of the real-life struggles of women facing domestic violence and the lengths they will go to protect their children.
Playing Peggy in this mental health storyline was a unique experience for Jaime, as she got to explore a new chapter in the character's past through Phil's hallucinations. She describes it as magical and exciting to take familiar elements and create something new with them. Jaime also praises EastEnders for its approach to tackling important issues like mental health, particularly in men. She believes that the show has handled the storyline with care and sensitivity, thanks in part to the amazing performance by Steve McFadden as Phil.
In closing, Jaime reflects on the privilege and honour of playing such an iconic character and being able to fill in the missing pieces of Peggy's puzzle. She admits that there are many moments from Peggy's past that she would love to reenact, such as the iconic slap-fest between Peggy and Pat. But ultimately, she is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the beloved character's legacy and be a part of EastEnders' continued success in tackling important and meaningful storylines.
Jaime Winstone has been given the exciting opportunity to once again step into the shoes of the legendary Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders. The show has always been known for its ability to delve into its own history and the history of its iconic families. This time, we will be taken back into the past of the Mitchell clan, with Jaime portraying the fierce and unforgettable character of Peggy, previously played by Dame Barbara Windsor.
In this new storyline, viewers will see Phil, consumed by his own mental illness, engaging in conversations with both his mother and a younger version of himself. It is a battle with crippling depression that will lead to some major revelations and developments as the show approaches its 40th anniversary in a dramatic and emotional fashion.
Jaime is thrilled to be reprising the role of Peggy and feels honored to be a part of such an iconic character's legacy. She shares that it was an overwhelming feeling to step back into Peggy's shoes, as she grew up watching her on television and knows how beloved she is by audiences.
To prepare for the role, Jaime re-watched Peggy's most iconic moments and had to separate herself from knowing and playing Barbara Windsor in the past. She also notes that the moment she puts on Peggy's signature wig in the makeup chair, she feels a sense of warmth and confidence, as if Barbara is giving her the go-ahead.
Peggy Mitchell is one of the most beloved characters on Albert Square, and Jaime believes that it is because of Barbara's phenomenal performance. She describes Peggy as a tiny bundle of motherhood but also a force of nature. For Jaime, the most interesting part of playing Peggy was understanding why she was the way she was, and the flashback episode provided insight into Peggy's past and the reasons behind her fierce protectiveness of her sons.
In this new storyline, Peggy's past is explored through Phil's hallucinations, and Jaime found it magical to take these pieces of the puzzle and create something new. She praises the show for tackling important issues like mental health and believes that the writers have handled the storyline with care and sensitivity, particularly in regards to men's mental health, which is often stigmatized.
Jaime also acknowledges the amazing performance by Steve McFadden, who plays Phil, and how he has committed to portraying the character's mental illness. She believes that EastEnders has done a fantastic job in addressing this tough subject with a beloved character and an exceptional actor.
In conclusion, Jaime feels incredibly lucky and honored to be a part of this storyline that not only allows her to reenact iconic moments, but also fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle and shed light on important issues. She also expresses her admiration for the show's ability to tap into its own history and continue to captivate audiences after 40 years on air.
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