Peggy Mitchell Based On Barbara's Mum

Tuesday 2nd February 2010 - 12:30:14

Barbara Windsor based her 'EastEnders' character on her mother.

The actress - who plays matriarch Peggy Mitchell on the BBC soap - said she worked hard to get under the skin of her character, and it quickly paid off and became a much bigger and more important role than she had ever could have imagined.

She said: "I worked really hard to discover Peggy and it paid off. She's everything I wouldn't want to be - a pub landlady, permanently on show - but I based her on my mum and I adore playing her.

I'll be so sad to leave Peggy behind; she's such a wonderful character to play

"When I went into this show I was a scared little old lady and I really felt I was in the twilight of my career.

"I had no idea it was going to carry on and get better."

72-year-old Barbara - previously best known for appearing in British 'Carry On' comedy films - started in 'EastEnders' in 1994 and Peggy has become one of the soap's best loved characters, although she announced last year she will retire this year, to spend more time with her family.

She said: "'EastEnders' has been wonderful to me and it's no secret that it changed my life.

"I'll be so sad to leave Peggy behind; she's such a wonderful character to play.

"I'm looking forward to the future and I suppose when all's said and done, I should spend a bit more time with my old man, as he's not getting any younger."