Widespread strikes, demand of higher pay, travel disruption…sound familiar? While you may think we’re talking about the ongoing crisis in 2022, we’re actually making reference to the Winter of Discontent – something EastEnders will be looking at in the special flashback episode.
Focusing on the Mitchell family, the episode is set in the winter of 1979, when several different employees from all across Britain went on strike to reject the government’s – which was Labour’s at the time – attempt at imposing wage limits in the face of inflation increase.
Some of the disputes within trades – both private and public – caused a huge inconvenience, which was made worse by the coldest winter in around 16 years.
Watching this one-off episode will be interesting to say the least, as the BBC One soap not only continues Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) storyline but shines a light on what families had to go through during this period.
Featuring in the story is Eric Mitchell, Phil and Grant’s (Ross Kemp) father.
George Russo, who plays him, has been speaking about the political side to this episode and how family experiences helped him get into character:
‘It’s an interesting time, I’m kind of familiar with the era, the winter of discontent, the 70s. My dad is of that era, I’ve got family members of that time, I’m from the East End. I grew up in that environment, so I sort of drew upon that as well.
He added: ‘I try and find a piece of music that sort of encapsulates the character so that when you listen to the music it can put you in that mind frame and put you into the characters quickly. I listen to a few pieces of music, the main one was Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash. I try and find a piece of music that sort of encapsulates the character so that when you listen to the music it can put you in that mind frame and put you into the characters quickly. I listen to a few pieces of music, the main one was Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash.
‘I think when playing a character, you want to find the right piece of music that can get you in the zone. And over time you watch stuff that is relevant and then you start to collate imagery and clothing that may be right for the character, and little pieces of jewellery, anything that may bring the character to life.’
Also part of this cast is Charlie Heptinstall, who’s been cast as Charlie Mitchell – Billy’s (Perry Fenwick) brother.
Reflecting on what he did to learn about life during the late 70s, he revealed:
‘I did a bit of preparation, and because I am quite close to my grandparents I’d always hear stories. You’d say it’s cold and my grandad would be like ‘It’s not as cold as 79, the snowfall was crazy” *laughs*. I know a lot about that sort of time frame but from stories being passed down. To really understand the role, I had to look up a few political things such as what was going on with the unions.
‘It was interesting to know and sometimes you forget that that was about 40 plus years ago. I still think it’s the early 2000s!’.
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