Barbara Windsor is returning to 'EastEnders'.
The 75-year-old star will reprise her role as Peggy Mitchell - who she portrayed for 16 years before leaving the BBC One soap in 2010 - for a one-off appearance in a "very special episode" this autumn to help out her eldest on-screen son Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) in his time of need.
She said in a statement: "It may only be a short visit, but it's a family matter and as Peggy always said 'it's all about family'.
"It is no secret how much I have always loved 'EastEnders' and Peggy Mitchell - and by the number of times I'm constantly stopped by the great British public and asked either, 'When are you coming back?' or please say, 'Get out of my pub,' it seems they have too."
Lorraine Newman, Executive Producer of 'EastEnders', added: "We're delighted to announce Barbara's return for a very special episode. Peggy's surprise visit is a wonderful treat for our fans, as well as the cast and crew here on 'EastEnders'. It's great to welcome her home."
Peggy previously left Albert Square for Portugal three years ago after Phil - who had become a drug addict - set fire to the Queen Vic pub, of which she was landlady.
Barbara's return will be part of a huge autumn for the soap and particularly dramatic for the Mitchells as Samantha Womack is also returning in her role as Ronnie Mitchell, while Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) is planning to marry Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).
Peggy was involved in plenty of dramatic storylines throughout her time in Walford, such as battling breast cancer and marrying Frank Butcher (Mike Reid) and Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb).
Since leaving the show, Barbara has starred in pantomime and presented a Radio 2 show on female comics.
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