Archie Mitchell

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EastEnders character

Archie Mitchell

Portrayed by

Larry Lamb

Introduced by

Diederick Santer

Duration

2008—

Profile

Family

Wives	Glenda Mitchell
Father	Phil Mitchell
Mother	Sandra Mitchell
Brothers	Eric Mitchell Clive Mitchell
Daughters	Ronnie Mitchell Roxy Mitchell
Grandfathers	Edward Mitchell
Grandmothers	Betty Mitchell
Uncles	Kenneth Mitchell
Cousins	Steven Mitchell Ted Mitchell
Nephews	Phil Mitchell Grant Mitchell
Nieces	Sam Mitchell
Great nephews	Mark Fowler Jr. Ben Mitchell
Great nieces	Courtney Mitchell Louise Mitchell
First cousins once removed	Billy Mitchell Charlie Mitchell
First cousins twice removed	Jamie Mitchell Janet Mitchell William Mitchell

Archie Mitchell is an upcoming fictional character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. He will be played by Larry Lamb^[1] and make his first on-screen appearance in July 2008.^[2]

[edit] Character creation

The character of Archie is the father of already established characters Ronnie (Samantha Janus) and Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons), and a member of the Mitchell family, who have appeared in the soap since 1990. It has already been established in the serial that he has a good relationship with Roxy, but does not speak to Ronnie, a fact that causes arguments between the sisters.

The arrival of Archie was anticipated ever since the arrival of his daughters in July 2007, with several actors rumoured to be taking on the role. Janus told Digital Spy, "I would love the idea that this mad, iconic male [Archie] comes back into our lives. It needs to be someone dark — someone that gives a really wiry performance."^[3] Simons added, "I don't know why I've got this thing about Bob Hoskins. I've always wanted him to be my dad."^[3] Other actors mentioned by Janus and Simons include Terence Stamp, Malcolm McDowell,^[3] Michael Caine, Ian McShane^[4] and Ray Winstone.^[3] Winstone, a friend of Janus, denied claims that he would be playing Archie, joking "I'll play [Ronnie's] fella but I'm not playing her dad!"^[5] Veteran entertainer Lionel Blair was also rumoured to be playing Archie, but this was denied.^[6] The character's imminent arrival was announced in early March 2008, with Larry Lamb being cast in the role.

The character has been described by EastEnders executive producer Diederick Santer as "a Mitchell through and through",^[1] "possessing the unique moral code which that legendary name implies",^[2] who will "set the cat amongst the Mitchell pigeons" and "[blow] the complex and darkly-veiled Mitchell world [...] apart."^[2] He is also described as "charismatic, authoritative, smart and proper old-school London"^[2] and an "archetypal Mitchell",^[7] and according to Digital Spy, his arrival will "shed new light on what made Ronnie and Roxy into the women they are and [...] provide some new insights into Peggy [Mitchell]'s history."^[2] Santer has promised EastEnders' audience "stacks of excitement and drama" upon Archie's arrival.^[2]

Speaking of the casting of Larry Lamb in the role, Santer commented: "Larry Lamb is an immensely talented, experienced and charismatic actor. [...] Barbara [Windsor], Rita [Simons], Sam [Janus] and I are very excited to be working with Larry."^[2] Lamb has said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be joining the Mitchell clan and working with [...] Barbara Windsor and my new-found daughters Ronnie and Roxy. I can't wait to step into Archie's shoes — frankly, it's a badge of honour to join EastEnders. My roots are working class so becoming part of the Square feels right. It's like I've come full circle and am back where I started out."^[2]

Archie will be a love interest for Peggy, his brother's widow,^[1] despite reports that actress Barbara Windsor does not want any more romantic storylines.^[8]

[edit] Reception

Diederick Santer has commented "I've only seen a handful of scenes that Larry's done so far but I think he's giving a mesmerising and multi-layered performance. There's quite a buzz coming up from the set, and I'm really excited about him."^[9]