Over the years, EastEnders became well-known for characters returning after lengthy absences.
The likes of Martin Fowler, Ben Mitchell and Kathy Beale all spent several years off screen before coming back to the soap, but Peggy Mitchell is one of few to make multiple returns.
The iconic character, played by Barbara Windsor, shocked many viewers with her comeback.
Ladies and gentlemen: Please be upstanding for the one and only…
*Drumroll*
Peggy Mitchell!https://t.co/5GALgNxwnM
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) January 15, 2016
There was celebration.
Peggy Mitchell is back🙌🏼🎉 #EastEnders
— ambs (@ambxrtaylor) January 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/alanfinn2019/status/688091109390684160
Followed by a stunned reaction to a big announcement.
Peggy's back! But dying?! You can't kill Peggy Mitchell! #eastenders
— Samantha Tutton (@Spomalom) January 15, 2016
No no no no Peggy Mitchell can't die, NO #Eastenders
— Matt (@Heathyheath_) January 15, 2016
In fact, there was so much chat that Twitter went down. It was probably just a coincidence, but we can’t be sure.
https://twitter.com/ChrisVine5/status/688101005624344581