‘EastEnders’: Peggy Mitchell’s Back! Barbara Windsor’s Character Returns To Walford

Fans were, obviously, delighted.

Barbara Windsor made her long-awaited return to ‘EastEnders’ on Monday (9 May) night, when Peggy Mitchell arrived in Albert Square.

Soapland’s most famous matriarch turned up on Ronnie’s doorstep just before the iconic "duff duff" noise kicked in, stunning Samantha Womack’s character.

Obviously, her arrival delighted fans on Twitter...

Peggy’s arrival marked the beginning of Barbara’s final stint on the show, and while it’s obviously great to see her back in the Square, viewers will need the tissues at the ready in the coming weeks.

When the former pub landlady attends a doctor's appointment to discuss her cancer, she’s left stunned when she discovers that her health has worsened, and makes a life-changing decision.

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Peggy Mitchell
BBC Pictures

Peggy’s not the only Mitchell arriving back in Walford, and in the coming weeks, Grant and Sam Mitchell will also be back.

Actress Danniella Westbrook also began filming last week, and teased her comeback by posting snaps of the set on Instagram.

Catch up on all the latest ‘EastEnders’ news and spoilers here.

'EastEnders': The Women Of Albert Square
Pat Evans (Pam St. Clement, 1986-2012)(01 of12)
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Not a day goes by where we don't miss Pat and her wonderful, wonderful earrings. (credit:BBC )
Bianca Butcher (Patsy Palmer, 1993-99, 2002, 2008-14)(02 of12)
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"RICCCCCCKKKKKKAAAAAAAAAY!" (credit:BBC )
Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor, 1994-2015)(03 of12)
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Living legend Barbara Windsor has made numerous visits to Albert Square since officially leaving. She'll be back for live week, and fingers crossed there'll be a chance for the Queen Vic's most memorable landlady to yell that line again: "Get outta ma pub!" (credit:BBC )
Chrissie Watts (Tracey Ann Oberman, 2004-05)(04 of12)
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After years of bullying Angie, Den Watts finally met his match in Chrissie, who gave as good as she got. Until murdering him, obviously. Sadly, she coudn't plan a good enough getaway, and was stopped by police as she prepared to board a flight. (credit:BBC )
Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks, 1999-2014)(05 of12)
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Janine terrorised everyone from Billy Mitchell and Ian Beale, to Alice Branning, during her time in Walford. After inheriting millions, Janine became even more infuriatingly smug, but karma hit back and when she finally fell for Michael Moon, things didn't end well. (credit:BBC )
Linda Carter (Kellie Bright, 2014-Present)(06 of12)
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She may be the newest of the bunch, but Kellie's character hasn't had it easy since moving into The Vic. While Linda has done her best to hold together the Carters, she's had a rough time, suffering a horrific assault at the hands of her brother-in-law, and acting as peacekeeper during the family's many feuds. Can she hold things together? (credit:BBC )
Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard, 1985-2006)(07 of12)
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Pauline was the original 'EastEnders' matriach, and there wasn't a problem she couldn't fix. Sadly, actress Wendy died in 2009, following a battle with breast cancer. (credit:BBC )
Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell, 2011-Present)(08 of12)
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Cora's dry sense of humour and witty putdowns manage to inspire giggles during even the most torturous scenes. As mother to Tanya and Rainie, she certainly has more than her fair shares of problems. (credit:BBC )
Dot Cotton (June Brown, 1985-93, 1997-Present)(09 of12)
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Where would we be without Dot's wise words? The laundrette worker has been on hand to offer advice to anyone who needs it, since the show first aired in 1985. (credit:BBC )
Shirley Carter (Linda Henry, 2006-Present)(10 of12)
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If she's good enough for ummm, Phil Mitchell, then she's good enough for us. (credit:BBC )
Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace, 2000-04, 2005, 2010-Present)(11 of12)
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Kat's the only Slater sister who's stuck around following the family's 2000 arrival. (credit:BBC )
Tracey (Jane Slaughter, 1985-Present)(12 of12)
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Jane is the longest-serving member of the cast, y'know. Bravo to Tracey for managing not to chip in during all those rows... (credit:BBC )

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