Danny Dyer was "nervous" about working with Barbara Windsor on ‘EastEnders’.
The 37-year-old actor – who stars as Mick Carter in the BBC One soap – has revealed that the legendary actress eased his nerves with a cuddle when the pair met.
He said: "It was a real moment when I got told because for me, I think ‘EastEnders’ had some of its best moments when Barbara was at the helm.
"So It was a shame that when I came in, Barbara was no longer in the show. So when I was told Barbara was coming back for an episode and doing a scene with me was just a real moment of like wow, wow it’s gonna happen!"
Barbara – who plays Peggy Mitchell – will return to ‘EastEnders’ for one episode only as part of the show’s 30th anniversary celebrations later this month.
When asked what it was like having her on set, Danny added: "I think we were both a little bit nervous to be honest with you – I was a bit nervous obviously because Barbara was the matriarch.
"It’s an intimidating place to act in The Vic – so we were both nervous together and I think that worked beautifully. She’s a beautiful lady and I think we both inspired each other in different ways."
But Danny needn’t have worried as he revealed that the 77-year-old actress eased his nerves instantly.
He said: "I’ve known Barbara for a little while but not well.
"But she was lovely. She wound me up and said "oi you, I want a word with you!" I was like "oh no here we go" and then she wound me up and gave me a big cuddle.
"It was lovely to be around her, Barbara is a real force and a real presence and a massive ‘EastEnders’ fan. She gave me the thumbs up which is a massive thing!"
Jo Joyner and John Partridge will also return to the soap for one night only to attend Ian and Jane’s wedding as part of the 30th anniversary week.
EastEnders’ Danny Dyer ‘nervous’ about working with Barbara Windsor
