Barbara Windsor will return to ‘EastEnders’ for the show’s 30th anniversary.
The 77-year-old actress will reprise her role as iconic former Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell on the BBC One soap for a single episode next year to celebrate the show’s big milestone.
Speaking of her return, she said "I am absolutely thrilled that Peggy has been included in the celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of ‘EastEnders’. What an incredible achievement for all the production, cast and crew, past and present".
The star began playing the Mitchell family matriarch in 1994 but left the show in September 2010 in order to spend more time with her husband, Scott Mitchell, who she married in 2000.
However, the ‘Carry On’ actress has returned for cameo appearances since her departure, including a surprise appearance in September in the lead up to her on-screen son Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) ill-fated wedding to Sharon Mitchell (Letitia Dean).
The show – which first aired on February 19 1985 – will celebrate its 30th year with a 30-minute live episode, as well as several live scenes in the other episodes of that week in which several major storylines will culminate.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz last month, the actress also hinted co-star Pam St. Clement may play a part in the anniversary celebrations, despite the fact her character Pat Butcher passed away in 2012.
When asked if she would be returning, she teased: "Yeah, of course! I’ll be right in there, won’t I! It’ll be lovely to see everyone, and I spoke to Pam yesterday, Pam St. Clement, and she’s going and we’re going to do a little something."
Barbara Windsor returning to EastEnders
