EastEnders fans in tears at poignant nod to legendary character as Sam and Phil Mitchell set sights on nightclub

EASTENDER fans were left emotional at a poignant nod to a legendary character tonight.

Six years after leaving Walford – and her son – behind, Sam Mitchell (portrayed by Kim Medcalf) is ready to set up shop in Albert Square by becoming the new owner of local nightclub Ruby’s.

BBCSam Mitchell paid special tribute to her mum Peggy in tonight’s episode[/caption]

In tonight’s instalment, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) is annoyed when Sam joined her to visit Phil (Steve McFadden) in prison.

The owner of Kat’s Cabs was unaware that Sam had an ulterior motive for the visit.

Sam soon revealed that Jonah Tyler is planning to buy Ruby’s, a club belonging to imprisoned Ruby Allen.

She goes a step further and suggested they should invest in the club before their rival gets his hands on it.

Sam then told Phil that she has the perfect name in mind for the nightclub.

“I’ve even thought of a name, it’s classy but it’s proper East End,” Sam told her brother.

“Peggy’s” she revealed.

Phil smiled and told her that their late mum – played by legendary actress Barbara Windsor – would love it.

After some convincing, Phil agreed much to Kat’s frustration as she already has too much on her plate.

EastEnders fans were thrilled with the special nod to Peggy Mitchell.

One wrote: “I’m here for this. If Peggy was still here she would be saying ‘Get Outta My Club!’ #Eastenders.”

Another posted: “Sam wants to name Ruby’s club after Peggy omfg that’s so adorable.”

A third added: “Naming the club Peggy’s… that’s so sweet.”

But things didn’t go to plan.

Kat found out that Sam had arranged a meeting with Ruby’s lawyers at a time she can’t commit to, leaving Sam to manage the meeting alone.

But things went awry for Sam as she got distracted by her ex dumping all of her belongings in Albert Square, making her miss what could have been a promising meeting.

Fuming, Sam asked Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) to help her and rushed to Ruby’s – but it was too late, Jonah had already bought the club with cash.

Kat is left furious when she found out what happened and warned Sam that Phil will not be happy.

Will Sam and the Mitchell clan manage to get the club back and make Peggy proud?

EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.