Peggy Mitchell

WHO?

Name: Peggy Mitchell
First Appeared: 30th April 1990
Last Appeared: 13th February 2025
Played by: Barbara Windsor

Peggy Mitchell, born in East London, 1942, was the formidable matriarch of the Mitchell family. Her life was a rollercoaster of drama, resilience, and unyielding love for her family. She met Eric Mitchell when she was 18, quickly becoming pregnant with Phil. Eric proposed to her at Upton Park football stadium, and they married later that year. Despite Eric’s violent tendencies and work for gangster Johnny Allen, Peggy remained resilient, even considering leaving him. After Eric’s death in 1985, Peggy briefly exited Walford but returned in 1994 to support her sons during their tumultuous fallout.

Taking over as the acting landlady of The Queen Vic, Peggy faced numerous challenges, including a controversial campaign against Mark Fowler for being HIV positive. A breast cancer diagnosis changed her perspective, leading her to undergo a lumpectomy with her family’s support. Her relationship with businessman George Palmer ended due to his criminal activities. She later engaged in a turbulent relationship with Frank Butcher, which ended with public humiliation. Despite these setbacks, Peggy remained a strong presence in the community.

Peggy’s return in 2005 was marked by a fierce determination to reclaim The Queen Vic from Chrissie Watts, who had framed Sam for Den Watts’ murder. This led to a clash with Johnny Allen, culminating in Peggy’s sons, Phil and Grant, saving her from an assault. She briefly dated Jack Edwards, but their relationship ended over disagreements about his grandchild with Down’s syndrome. Peggy then married Archie Mitchell, but their marriage quickly fell apart when his deceit regarding their family came to light. Peggy’s resilience shone through as she stood up against Archie’s manipulations, even as he plotted revenge against the Mitchell family.

In her final years, Peggy faced her biggest challenge: terminal cancer. Despite her illness, she resolved old feuds, reconnected with family, and reminisced about her life. In a poignant final act, Peggy chose to end her life to prevent her family from witnessing her deterioration. Her death left a void in Walford, but her legacy of strength, resilience, and family devotion remained. Peggy Mitchell’s journey was one of triumphs and tribulations, solidifying her as one of the most iconic characters in EastEnders history.