EastEnders’ Harry Reid is doing his "homework" on "strict" Dame Barbara Windsor ready for her return later this year.
The 23-year-old actor – who plays bad boy Ben Mitchell on the BBC One soap – has heard the legendary actress, 78, takes no nonsense when she’s shooting scenes on set, so he’s preparing himself for a few months of hard graft when she returns as matriarch Peggy Mitchell .
He explained: "I’ve met Barbara Windsor, who’s the nicest, most lovely woman in the world. So to hopefully work with her during her last days as Peggy will be an absolute privilege. I’ve heard stories, though, that she’s quite strict on set, so I’m going to do my homework."
However, Harry can’t wait to get stuck in to filming Dame Barbara’s forthcoming emotional scenes, which will see her bossy alter-ego lose her battle with cancer, and is thrilled he gets to work with one of the "best in the business."
Harry – who joined the soap as the incarnation of Ben in 2014 – told the Radio Times: "It’s not daunting, just exciting to be given an opportunity to work with someone who’s so experienced in this business. She’s one of the best."
Meanwhile, Dame Barbara isn’t the only star to be rejoining the soap later this year as Ross Kemp will also reprise his role as hardman Grant Mitchell for the tear-jerking scenes.
Danniella Westbrook has also teased she’ll step back into character as megabitch Sam Mitchell for the storyline as well.
Harry Reid: I’ve been doing my homework on strict Barbara Windsor
