EastEnders has announced four returning cast members in Phil Mitchell’s ongoing mental health storyline.

Phil has become increasingly lonely over the last few months, and upcoming scenes will see him attempt to take his own life.

Now it has been revealed that, as Phil’s psyche deteriorates, he will hallucinate a scenario from 1985, featuring a younger version of himself and other famous EastEnders characters.

Returning for these scenes are: Jaime Winstone as Peggy, George Russo as Eric, Teddy Jay as Grant, and Daniel Delaney as Phil. They all played these roles in a flashback episode from 2022, while Winstone played Peggy actor Barbara Windsor in the biopic Babs as well.

These scenes will also see Sam Miles debut as a younger version of Nigel Bates, who recently returned to the soap in the present day.

“It was such an honour to be welcomed back to play Peggy Mitchell, she is a dream role for me,” Winstone said. “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.”

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: “We are thrilled to welcome back the young Mitchells for these special scenes as we lead up to our 40th anniversary week.

“In 2022 fans and critics alike celebrated Jaime’s portrayal of Peggy, and with Phil’s story, this feels like the perfect time for her to reprise the iconic role – joined once again by George, Daniel, Teddy and now Sam as a young Nigel.

“Flashbacks like these give the audience a unique opportunity to better understand Phil’s mindset and the traumatic events that have led him to his mental health crisis.”

Meanwhile, Ross Kemp will be back as Grant for upcoming scenes set to air as part of the 40th anniversary.