Barbara Windsor was “sick with nerves” over EastEnders return

Barbara Windsor has admitted she was “sick with nerves” over her return to EastEnders.

The showbiz stalwart recently reprised her role of Peggy Mitchell for one episode which transmits a week on Friday (20 September).

In the episode Peggy visits her son Phil (Steve McFadden) in hospital after he was involved in a car crash with Carl White (Daniel Coonan).

“Going back was exactly the same as I had felt 19 years ago… I felt sick with nerves. I was the new girl again,” Barbara explains. She added:

Fortunately I was surrounded by some of my favourites. I didn’t need to tell them how nervous I was, as they know how hard I am on myself.

I could not have asked for a kinder and more supportive reception. It was a bit of a ‘love-in’.

Earlier this year, Barbara revealed on ITV’s This Morning that she had been asked to reprise the role of Peggy a few times since leaving in 2010 but hadn’t felt the time was right.

Barbara says that it was a phone call from Perry Fenwick alias Billy Mitchell with details of the her on-screen son’s latest storyline that changed her mind.

I was told of the current storyline with Phil having been involved in a bad accident and he had given up on life. It seemed right to me that Peggy was the only person who could go back and give him a much-needed kick up the backside. All it took was a phone call from Perry.

Barbara went on to praise her co-star Steve McFadden with whom she remains close friends:

Steve was the reason I had no hesitation in returning to the show for this storyline. It’s no secret how close we are in our personal life. Not only is my husband Scott his manager and godfather to two of his children, but I count him as one of my most trusted friends.

My admiration for him as an actor is way up there with the best.

Barbara adds that her one episode stint has tempted her to make further appearances in the BBC One soap.

Of course it has tempted me but who knows what the future holds? To be a part of such a great British institution is an honour.

EastEnders, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday on BBC One.