Dark Mitchell family secrets will be uncovered in the EastEnders flashback episode, Jaime Winstone has promised.
In a special episode that flashes back to 1979, Winstone portrays a younger Peggy Mitchell at a time when the Mitchell family was being ripped apart by a conflict between Phil and his father Eric.
Peggy is stuck in the center of this dysfunctional family and has to choose whether to end the rest of the family or save her brutal marriage to Eric.
Dark Mitchell family secrets will be revealed, according to Winstone, who previously portrayed Dame Barbara Windsor in a BBC biopic. Winstone made this pledge prior to the airing of these scenes.
She informed Digital Spy and other media that viewers would be introduced to Eric as well as some of their favorite characters, Phil and Grant, in this episode. “Essentially, it is about a family that is struggling to stay together, the fissures that are beginning to appear, and the boys who are maturing and turning into men in front of Peggy.
“This episode is tumultuous. The pace is rapid. There are numerous events that occur. Highs and lows are present. Soft moments can be found. However, it truly lays the groundwork for why the characters are as they are now, as well as why some families are torn apart and some decisions that really shouldn’t have been taken.
“There is a time, and ultimately, it is about Phil and what happens, who he is now, and why. I’m very sorry, but that’s not giving you very much at all. Peggy Mitchell becomes the Peggy Mitchell that we are familiar with at times like these.”
The actress also voiced the wish that we wouldn’t only see the younger Peggy Mitchell in this flashback episode.
I really thought about doing something like this and thought, ‘God, it’s such an opportunity,’ she added. “For starters, I was astounded by the similarities between this script and Margaret Thatcher’s television appearances, as well as the politicians speaking to the working class who have no idea how they live, how they make ends meet, how cold they are, or what they would eat that evening.
“The similarities between then and now are terrifying. And I simply thought, “Wow, that was a long time ago.” We essentially have the same issues. The similarities between those were really alluring. That’s extremely interesting—and quite dangerous, I just kind of thought.
“But, you know, we also have what we eat and what we watch on television. I believe that right now, as viewers, we really need to be fed some nostalgia and educated about our history. And if we express actual tales through drama, it’s even better—especially with the fake politics that exist now. The working class ultimately suffers as a result.
“All of a sudden, I realized that there isn’t a single working-class drama in existence. We have Bridgerton and Downton Abbey, two dramas that do not focus on the working class. You’ve got the status thing in Downton…
But in reality, these are our society’s salt and pepper. I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why don’t we have it?” Do we enjoy hiding out and observing folks in voluminous dresses at expensive parties? Why aren’t these true stories told to us so that we can learn more about our history through drama? I would definitely be interested in acting in something of this caliber that portrays a true London, to answer your question.
The flashback scenes air on Monday, September 5.
