'EastEnders' fans stunned by return of old favourite
'EastEnders' viewers were left stunned last night after Peggy Mitchell made a shock return.
The matriarch - played by Barbara Windsor - was seen in Portugal telling her niece Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack) to put a stop to her son Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) marrying Sharon Rickman (Letitia Dean).
Barbara, who left the soap in 2010, said: "Peggy just couldn't resist putting her oar in when it comes to Sharon, who she has never forgiven for breaking up her precious boys Phil and Grant!"
The former landlady was first seen in the episode slamming the wedding invitation down on the table and shouting: "It's a joke, that's what it is. That trashy little tart isn't going near my boy!"
Barbara explained to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The scenes are typical Peggy and it was great to play her kicking off again and of course working with the lovely Sam Womack as Ronnie.
"I hope it was a nice surprise for the 'EastEnders' fans."
Barbara was last seen on the show in September 2013 when Peggy paid Phil a visit in hospital after he had been involved in a nasty car crash.
However, the 77-year-old actress previously teased that she wouldn't rule out re-joining the programme on a part-time basis following her exit four years ago.
When asked about a possible return last year, she said : "I don't know about full-time, maybe part-time."
