British screen legend Dame Barbara Windsor has died at the age of 83, her husband, Scott Mitchell, has confirmed.
Mr Mitchell told PA in a statement: “It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that my darling wife Barbara passed away at 8.35pm on Thursday 10 December at a London care home. Her passing was from Alzheimer’s/Dementia and Barbara eventually died peacefully and I spent the last seven days by her side.”
The Carry On and EastEnders icon was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, a disease which hastened the end of her six-decade acting career.
Mr Mitchell said: “I’ve lost my wife, my best friend and soulmate and my heart or life will never feel the same without you.”
Former colleagues and fans were quick to pay homage to the Cockney with the squeaky voice and unforgettable laugh, who was best known to her huge fanbase as “Babs”.
Former EastEnders star Patsy Palmer wrote on Instagram: “I’m extremely sad to hear that my friend “ Dame “ Babara Windsor has passed away . I’m sitting here thinking of the 100’s of memories we shared . Too many to comprehend. We were like family for a long time , ups downs , ins and outs but you will never meet a more professional actress than Babs .”
Another ex Albert Square star Danniella Westbrook, who played her daughter, Sam, wrote: “Today we lost a legend a national treasure and a woman who I looked up too for most off my life. A generous warm funny humble and beautiful lady & someone who gave us all much joy watching her act.”
I'm devastated… Dame Barbara Windsor you were one of my favourite actresses and she'll always hold a special place in my heart.
RIP you wonderful lady!#getouttamypub ❤️ https://t.co/C9zSZw19QK— Kellie (@xKellieLou) December 11, 2020
Dame Barbara was born Barbara Ann Deeks in Shoreditch, East London, in 1937 and made her screen debut in the classic comedy The Belles of St Trinian’s (1954).
Her career traversed decades and genres – she became a regular in the hugely popular Carry On film farce series, revealing a gift for comedy that endeared her to the nation in the 1960s.
Dame Barbara joined EastEnders in 1994 as Peggy, the matriarch of the Mitchell clan, with sons Phil and Grant at her side as the no-nonsense landlady of the Queen Vic, a role she played until 2009.
Peggy made up for her diminutive stature with a surplus of belligerence and aggression and her classic line “Get out of my pub!” has become a national catchphrase.
More to follow.
from Radio Times https://ift.tt/377r6Pr
