Daniel Delaney and Teddy Jay have made a huge return to EastEnders as a younger Phil and Grant Mitchell.
It’s a tough gig, stepping into the shoes of soap legends Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp – but both actors have received critical acclaim for their performances.
The stars have reprised their roles in tonight’s episode – which shows worrying hallucinations through Phil’s eyes – having first appeared in the 2022 flashback episode alongside Jaime Winstone playing Mitchell matriarch Peggy.
Whilst trying to portray a younger version of the characters, and showing how they moulded into the celebrated icons of today, they’re also required to put their own spin on the parts.
Speaking of her return, seasoned actress Jaime said: ‘Peggy Mitchell is so iconic: Everybody refers to her still, everybody knows her, and it’s such an honour.
‘We all grew up with Peggy in our front rooms so it’s an overwhelming feeling because she’s such a strong, amazing character.’
But what about Daniel and Teddy, what have they said about the roles, and where have we seen them before?
Who is young Phil Mitchell star Daniel Delaney?
With a striking resemblance, both physically and vocally, to Steve McFadden, 28 year old Daniel Delaney takes centre stage in the special episode.
Previous credits include minor roles in BAFTA winning comedy We Are Lady Parts and a short film, Sensational Simmy!
He also appeared in a voiceover for 2019 Elton John biopic Rocketman, and had a part in a Sam Fender music video.
You may have also spotted him in adverts for Gumtree, Uber Eats and Amazon Prime Video.
He studied Theatre Arts at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, before taking on a course at The Arnould School of Dance & Drama.
According to his Spotlight profile, Daniel’s highly skilled in a number of sports, such as darts and tennis.
He often takes to Instagram to post adorable photos with his girlfriend Flo, last year describing her as ‘still the best Pokémon [he] ever chose.’
Speaking of taking on the Phil role in 2022, Daniel said: ‘‘I think it’s important to show the different modes of his character.
‘Everyone knows Phil now as Mr Macho, a gangster that is feared by many but it’s his journey from a teenage boy that made him that way and it’s important that he and the Mitchell family have their story told, especially in the late 70s when Great Britain’s economy was fractured.’
Who is young Grant Mitchell star Teddy Jay?
Despite Ross Kemp returning as Grant in tonight’s ‘doof doof’ moment, Teddy Jay plays him for the majority of the instalment.
He trained in acting at the Rose Bruford College, and has appeared in a number of stage roles at the establishment, and as Tylbalt in short film Tybalt & Mercutio.
The 2022 flashback was his first television appearance, and he will play Jack Steel in upcoming Aaron Taylor-Johnson crime thriller Fuze.
Three years ago, he posted a snap with EastEnders co-stars Daniel and George Greenland, who played a younger Billy Mitchell, thanking Jaime for the ‘Greatest Night Ever.’
