Danny Dyer praises Barbara Windsor's guest spot

With only a matter of days before EastEnders celebrates its 30th anniversary with a special Live Week of shows, new pictures of a historic meet-up have been released.

For the first time, current Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter will come face-to face with Walford legend Peggy Mitchell - and Danny's delighted to be working with one of his EastEnders heroes, Barbara Windsor!

What was it like working with Barbara Windsor?

It was a real moment when I got told because for me, I think EastEnders had some of its best moments when Barbara was at the helm. So It was a shame that when I came in, Barbara was no longer in the show. So when I was told Barbara was coming back for an episode and doing a scene with me was just a real moment of like wow, wow it’s gonna happen!

What was it like having Peggy back in the Queen Vic?

I think we were both a little bit nervous to be honest with you – I was a bit nervous obviously because Barbara was the matriarch. It's an intimidating place to act in The Vic - so we were both nervous together and I think that worked beautifully. She’s a beautiful lady and I think we both inspired each other in different ways.

What was it like when you first met Barbara?

I’ve known Barbara for a little while but not well. But she was lovely. She wound me up and said “oi you, I want a word with you!” I was like "oh no here we go" and then she wound me up and gave me a big cuddle. It was lovely to be around her, Barbara is a real force and a real presence and a massive EastEnders fan. She gave me the thumbs up which is a massive thing!

This episode will air on Tuesday 17th February.