Peggy leaves EastEnders after 16 years

It has been a closely guarded secret for many months, but we now know that EastEnders favourite Peggy Mitchell survives the Queen Vic fire.

Viewers watched as the soap's famous pub went up in smoke following a fire set by crack addict Phil. Those inside, who were celebrating Janine's wedding at the time, narrowly made it out alive.

The explosive plot is all part of Barbara Windor's big exit. The 73-year-old announced she was leaving the BBC drama last October to spend more time with her husband Scott.

Earlier this year she said: "EastEnders has been wonderful to me and it's no secret that it changed my life all of those years ago. I'll be so sad to leave Peggy behind; she's such a wonderful character to play."

Co-star Ricky Norwood who plays Fatboy said she'll be missed: "She's such an institution. It was lovely working with her. I'm so happy and so proud and honoured that I got a couple of scenes with her while she was there."