Mitchells are ratings booster

The return of the Mitchell brothers has given EastEnders a much-needed ratings boost.

16:29 26 October 2005

The return of the Mitchell brothers has given EastEnders a much-needed ratings boost.

Over 13 million people watched hard men Grant and Phil, played by Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp, step out of a car and rescue their mother Peggy.

It wasn't much in terms of screen time, but Grant's "hello mum", followed by the trademark EastEnders drum beat into credits, will go down as one of those special soap-tastic moments. Perhaps.

The 13 million viewing figure is four million more than normal, and BBC chiefs are delighted.

A spokesman said: "There is still a huge appetite for the Mitchell boys."

Stacey Slater, Chrissie's alibi for the murder of Dirty Den, which Sam Mitchell is charged with, is one of the first in Albert Square to feel the wrath of the bald bully-boys.

She will be followed, in quick succession, by Dennis Rickman and gangster Johnny Allen as the Mitchell brothers stamp their authority on the soap.