Barbara Windsor

Barbara Windsor

Steve McFadden wants Barbara Windsor to return to 'EastEnders' permanently.

The 54-year-old actor - who plays bad boy Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap - will reunite with the feisty blonde (Peggy Mitchell) in coming weeks when she returns for a one-off appearance, but Steve admits he would love for her to become a full-time cast member as she's great fun to film with.

Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, he said: "Working with Barbara again was all the cliches you'd imagine - fantastic, historic.

"Everyone was excited because we all love her. I even took photos, which isn't normally allowed! As Steve the actor, I'd love for her to come back full-time. But as her mate, I think she should do what's right for her. We're very close, me and Barb - and her husband, Scott, is my agent. So I'm always popping round to theirs to catch up on the gossip. She loves to hear about what's going on!".

If she does agree to come back, Barbara will follow in the footsteps of returnees Michael French and Samantha Womack, who are bringing their characters David Wicks and Ronnie Mitchell back to Albert Square.

A source said previously: "Barbara may only be back for one day but everyone hopes they can persuade her to return again.

"Albert Square has really missed her and, along with David and Ronnie, she is going to give the soap a much-needed boost."