EastEnders viewers fight back tears as Peggy Mitchell ‘returns’ to BBC soap

26.01.2022 - 15:36 / ok.co.uk

EastEnders fans were left emotional and fighting back tears as iconic soap matriarch Peggy Mitchell, who was played by the lateDame Barbara Windsor, made a special appearance on the BBC soap. In scenes that aired on last night’s EastEnders (Tuesday 25 January), Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) was facing a big dilemma.The soap legend had to choose between becoming an informant for the police and spending the rest of his life behind bars.Taking a seat in the middle of Walford’s Albert Square to contemplate what he should do, Phil began looking into the distance at the home he once shared with his late mum Peggy - The Queen Vic.

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It was then he - and viewers at home - heard Peggy’s voice, telling him: “Phil, you gotta get out there and defend what's yours.” The short but touching soundbite was taken from an old episode of the show, featuring the much-loved actress, the late Dame Barbara Windsor.This was followed by another soundbite featuring Phil’s brother Grant (Ross Kemp). He said: “Then you should have come to me, at least I would have kicked some sense into ya and made you feel a bit better.” As their mum then concluded: “You're surrounded by people who love you, just try to love yourself…” On hearing Barbara’s voice again, EastEnders fans became emotional and took to social media to praise the touching scene.