Over 40 dramatic years, EastEnders has made us laugh, cry and gasp with its incredible storylines - and larger than life characters, some of which are now a part of the show's history. EastEnders is celebrating four decades on BBC One this week, with multiple characters set to take centre stage in the soap's anniversary drama, from Denise Fox to Sonia Fowler as actress Natalie Cassidy waves goodbye to the show for good after 32 years.
Long-term fans of the long-running show will remember Dame Barbara Windsor who turned Mitchell matriarch Peggy into an icon, while June Brown delivered stellar performances episode after episode as devout Dot Cotton. Here we look at EastEnders' lost legends. Dame Barbara Windsor captivated audiences for over six decades with her infectious energy, distinctive laugh, and undeniable charm. Best known for her roles in the Carry On films and as Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, Babs became a national treasure, earning accolades for her contributions to television, film, and theatre.
Born Barbara Ann Deeks on August 6, 1937, in London, she made her stage debut at just 13 and soon earned a BAFTA and a Tony Award nomination, it was her time with the Carry On films, however, that cemented her place in British culture. Her career took another defining turn in 1994 when she joined EastEnders as Peggy Mitchell, the fiery landlady of the Queen Vic pub and the widowed mother of Phil, Grant, and Samantha Mitchell.
Taking over a previously minor character, Barbara transformed Peggy into one of the most iconic figures in British soap history. Her catchphrase—“Get outta my pub!”—became legendary, and her portrayal earned her a British Soap Award for Best Actress in 1999. She departed EastEnders in 2016 and was made a Dame (DBE) the same year for her services to charity and entertainment. Following her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2014, she and her husband, Scott Mitchell, became tireless advocates for dementia awareness.
Dame Barbara Windsor passed away on December 10, 2020, at the age of 83. Tributes poured in from across the nation and Prince William described Barbara as “a true national treasure.”. With a career spanning over 70 years, June Brown was best known for her unforgettable portrayal of Dot Cotton in EastEnders. June joined the BBC soap in 1985, just months after its debut, taking on the role of the chain-smoking, devoutly religious Dot Cotton. One of Brown’s most defining storylines came with Dot’s relationship with her wayward son, Nick Cotton.
In 2008, she made history by performing a monologue-driven episode, Pretty Baby, in which Dot recorded a tape for her husband, Jim, after he suffered a stroke. The episode earned Brown a BAFTA nomination—an unprecedented achievement for a British soap actor at the time. June passed away peacefully on April 3, 2022, at the age of 95. Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, with EastEnders stars past and present hailing her as one of the greatest actresses to ever grace British television.
Best known for his role as “Dirty” Den Watts, Leslie Grantham cemented himself as one of the most infamous villains in British television. Grantham had an unconventional path to stardom, having served ten years in prison for a murder he committed while posted as an army fusilier in West Germany. Den became an EastEnders fan favorite in 1985, known for his scheming ways, turbulent marriage to Angie, and explosive storylines. His Christmas Day 1986 showdown with Angie—where he handed her divorce papers—was watched by over 30 million viewers.
In 1989, Den was seemingly killed off after being shot and left for dead in a canal. But in true soap fashion, he made a shocking return in 2003. Leslie Grantham passed away on June 15, 2018, at the age of 71. Wendy Richard was a British household name, best known for her long-running role as Pauline Fowler in EastEnders. Born on July 20, 1943, Richard first found fame in the 1970s as Miss Brahms in the classic sitcom Are You Being Served?.
Once the sitcom ended, she joined EastEnders as the matriarch of the Fowler family. Her time on EastEnders lasted over 21 years, but her tenure ended in 2006. Wendy Richard passed away on February 26, 2009, after a battle with breast cancer. Mike Reid is remembered for his role as Frank Butcher, the beloved Queen Vic landlord. Reid’s character was involved in many popular storylines, particularly his turbulent relationships with Pat Wicks and Peggy Mitchell.
In 1994, Reid took a break from the show due to stress but returned in 1995. Mike passed away on July 29, 2007, at the age of 67 from a suspected heart attack. Anna Wing became best known for playing Lou Beale, the matriarch of the Beale family. She appeared on the show from its debut in 1985 until 1988. Wing passed away on July 7, 2013, at the age of 98. The first person to be cast for EastEnders, Bill Treacher portrayed Arthur Fowler for eleven years. His character struggled with numerous hardships, including his son Mark’s HIV diagnosis and his own mental decline.
