EastEnders announces return of two legends for soap's 40th anniversary special

EastEnders has revealed that two major stars will be returning to the soap for the BBC show's upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations. In recent weeks, Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden has been struggling with his mental health, secluding himself from those closest to him. The ongoing storyline is set to go one step further as the once almighty East End gangster starts to suffer from hallucinations of the past which will air in a matter of days.

Fans will see his mum, Peggy Mitchell, played by Jamie Winstone make her return to the BBC soap opera. New photographs of Jamie on set as young Peggy show the actress sporting The Queen Victoria's landlady wearing her famous 80s hairdo. Meanwhile, her husband, Eric Mitchell, played by actor George Russo sits across from her as the pair engage in a tense conversation. But that's not all, Phil's brother, Grant, is also set to return as he stands in the doorway looking concerned about his brother. Phil's hallucinations will see him travel back in time time to his younger years in the Mitchell family home as he reflects on his teenage years, with Daniel Delaney playing the young gangster.

"It was such an honour to be welcomed back to play Peggy Mitchell," Jamie said of returning to the role of Peggy. She went on to add: "She is a dream role for me; so to be able to contribute to this iconic family on this major storyline has been such a joyous and emotional journey and I truly hope I have done her justice. "Thank you to all the EastEnders family, this has been such a wonderful experience." EastEnders are working closely with charities including The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, Mind and CALM to ensure that the storyline is portrayed in a sensitive manner. Meanwhile, Grant's return will be the first time he's been seen on the show for almost a decade. Speaking the storyline, boss Chris Clenshaw said: "We are thrilled to welcome back the young Mitchells for these special scenes as we lead up to our 40th anniversary week..".

The soap is marking 40 years on our screens with a live episode, featuring a first-of-its-kind interactive twist which gives viewers the chance to decide whether Denise Fox ends up with husband Jack Branning or lover Ravi Gulati. EastEnders will kick off a whole week of special episodes to mark the big occasion on the 17th December, with the live episode airing on Thursday 20 February. Meanwhile, an hour-long special will be broadcast on Wednesday, during which voting will open for the public ahead of the live show.

Viewers will also be given a separate vote that could change Walford forever - however details are yet to be revealed. EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw will be handed the votes after they have been verified and he will give the cast and crew the winning script to act out. The return of two major stars comes after Natalie Cassidy announced that she would be leaving the soap after 32 years of playing Sonia Jackson. She is set to bid farewell to Albert Square after the soap's 40th birthday celebrations, with Natalie announcing last week: "I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited.

"After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new. EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show. Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour.". She added: "See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten." Sonia's last scenes will be filmed in February, with actor Natalie reportedly telling bosses of her decision to leave last summer.