Barbara Windsor - Peggy Mitchell

[Perdita]

Barbara Windsor will return to EastEnders next year for one of the show's 30th anniversary specials.

Windsor will be reprising her role as Peggy Mitchell for one episode as part of EastEnders' anniversary week.

Viewers last saw Peggy Mitchell make a surprise appearance in a September episode to express displeasure with son Phil's impending marriage to Sharon Watts.

"I am absolutely thrilled that Peggy has been included in the celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of EastEnders," Windsor has said of her return to the programme.

"What an incredible achievement for all the production, cast and crew, past and present."

EastEnders executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: "Barbara and Peggy are intrinsically linked with EastEnders and when we planned our explosive anniversary episodes, Peggy was the first name on our list of hoped-for returns.

"Barbara has not only created one of EastEnders' most iconic characters but she's also hugely loved and missed by everyone here. We couldn't celebrate 30 years of EastEnders without Barbara Windsor."

Peggy pays a visit to Albert Square
© BBC

Windsor took on the role of Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell in 1994, and went on to become one of the show's most popular stars.

The actress left EastEnders back in 2010.

EastEnders' anniversary festivities will also include a 30-minute live episode, in addition to live elements being integrated in other instalments across the week.

[tammyy2j]

It is shame she couldn't return for Pat's funeral

[parkerman]

I think it's more a shame she's returning at all!

[Dazzle]

I think it's more a shame she's returning at all!

I thought you'd feel that way lol.

I've always liked Peggy but her last cameo was very panto, even though I found it quite enjoyable. I hope she tones it down this time.

[lizann]

so does this mean phil and the mitchells will feature big time for the live episodes

[Perdita]

so does this mean phil and the mitchells will feature big time for the live episodes

I imagine so as the Carters seem to have taken over as the main family on Albert Square ...

[Perdita]

so does this mean phil and the mitchells will feature big time for the live episodes

I imagine so as the Carters seem to have taken over as the main family on Albert Square ...

[tammyy2j]

Isn't the reveal of Lucy's killer the big storyline for the live anniversary episodes

[Glen1]

Isn't the reveal of Lucy's killer the big storyline for the live anniversary episodes

Supposed to be, but with Peggy Mitchell , rumours of Grant Mitchell returning for the anniversary and I expect Sharon in the spotlight (as always) I dread another Sharongate saga .. If the disclosure of Lucy Beales' killer is side lined, I for one will be exceptionally annoyed !

[parkerman]

Is Den returning for the anniversary?

And don't say he's dead!