Inside EastEnders’ Mitchell family from Peggy to Phil

THE Mitchell family in EastEnders are arguably one of the most iconic families in soap land.

While there has been a lot of comings and goings, the family have been on our screens for over 30 years.

But who exactly are the Mitchell clan? Let’s find out.

Peggy Mitchell

Peggy first appeared on our screens in 1991 as the mother of Grant, Phil and Sam Mitchell. She was played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor.

Her initial storyline saw her arrive in Walford to put a stop to her teenage daughter from marrying Ricky Butcher.

After a three year absence Peggy returned and became the landlady of The Queen Victoria pub.

Throughout her appearances in EastEnders Peggy had three marriages that ultimately failed. She was first married to Eric Mitchell, before tying the knot with Frank Butcher. Her third marriage was to Archie Mitchell.

In 2010 after her son Phil drunkenly set The Vic on fire, a devastated Peggy departed Albert Square.

Over the following years she returned for a number of guest appearances before coming back in 2016 for her exit storyline. Peggy’s cancer had returned and advanced.

She died by suicide aged 74 with her funeral taking place in July of that year.

Phil Mitchell

Phil is the eldest son of Peggy and Eric Mitchell. He was first introduced to viewers in 1990 as he opened The Arches and is played by Steve McFadden.

He has three children, Ben and Louise Mitchell and Raymond Dawkins.

The hot-headed mechanic has had a number of love interests over the years including his brother Grant’s ex-wife Sharon Watts but also Kathy Beale, Lisa Shaw and Shirley Carter.

In 2003 Phil departed Walford and went on the run before returning two years later where he’s remained a regular member of the cast.

Recent years have seen Phil battle alcoholism and, during a relapse, he had a one night stand with Denise Fox which resulted in her carrying his child.

Phil is currently engaged to marry Kat Slater, who is played by Jessie Wallace.

Grant Mitchell

Just like Phil, Grant appeared on screens all the way back in 1990 running The Arches with his brother. He is played by Ross Kemp.

In the early years of the character he married local barmaid Sharon Watts and they ran The Queen Vic together. However, their relationship ended after Grant set fire to the pub as part of an insurance con.

Grant departed the show in 1999 when his car entered The Thames after Phil shot at the steering wheel. While he wasn’t recovered, viewers later learned he was alive and had fled to Rio de Janeiro.

He returned to Albert Square in 2005 when his sister Sam was being framed for the murder of Den Watts. During his return he managed to make amends with Sharon and Phil before leaving once again for Rio.

Viewers saw him return for one final time in 2016 as part of his mother Peggy’s exit storyline. After convincing his mum not to end her life by suicide, he flew back to Portugal. However, Sharon had to phone him to tell him she ultimately did end her life.

Sam Mitchell

Sam is the youngest child of Peggy and Eric Mitchell and has been portrayed by Danniella Westbrook and Kim Medcalfe – with Kim currently playing the character.

She arrived to Walford as a rebellious 15-year-old and quickly struck up a relationship with Ricky Butcher who she later married, despite her mother’s objections.

Over the years Sam has had a number of flings and failed relationships. She has a son called Ricky with Jack Branning.

She has regularly appeared in the show since 2022 when her brother Phil phoned her from prison.

Billy Mitchell

Billy has been a regular EastEnders character since his first appearance back in 1998 and is played by Perry Fenwick.

He has two children, Will and Janet Mitchell whom he shares with Honey Mitchell.

However, in latter years he discovers one of his exes fell pregnant with his child, Dan Pearce, who tragically died. Billy then discovers he has a granddaughter named Lola.

Archie Mitchell

Archie was the father of Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell and also the uncle of Phil, Grant and Sam.

He landed in Walford back in 2008 and had a turbulent relationship with Ronnie, his eldest daughter.

He quickly struck up a relationship with Peggy Mitchell and the pair moved into The Queen Vic together.

However, his relationship with Peggy ended when it emerged Archie had lied to Ronnie about her daughter, claiming she had died.

He met his fate on Christmas Day in 2009 after being struck on the head by the bust of the Queen Vic.

Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell

Ronnie and Roxy burst onto our screens in 2007 and are the daughters of Glenda and Archie Mitchell. They were played by Samantha Womack and Rita Simons.

The women were known for not shying away from drama. Roxy had one daughter named Amy, whom she shared with Jack Branning.

But Ronnie had bad luck when it came to her children as tragically both Danielle and James died. Her third child Matthew is shared with Jack Branning.

After ten years on our screens the sisters both drowned on New Year’s Day in 2017 at Ronnie and Jack’s wedding reception.

Ben Mitchell

Ben is the son of Phil and has a sister named Louise. The character has been recast throughout his lifetime, with the latest actor to play the troublesome mechanic being Max Bowden.

Ben started his early life living with his mum Kathy Beale in South Africa. However, after she supposedly died in a car accident he returned to Walford to live with his dad.

Fans were left devastated when he horrifically murdered Heather Trott in 2012.

When he returned to Walford after a prison sentence he continued to struggle with his sexuality.

Last year Ben’ character was raped in a storyline to raise awareness of male rape.

Other Mitchell family members:

• Louise Mitchell – Phil’s daughter
• Sharon Watts – Phil’s ex-wife
• Glenda Mitchell – Ronnie and Roxy’s mother
• Lexi Pearce – Ben Mitchell’s daughter
• Kathy Beale – Ben’s mother and Phil’s ex-wife
• Janet and Will Mitchell – Billy’s children