Dame Barbara Windsor, who enjoyed a stellar career across theatre, film and television, has died at the age of 83 following a battle with Alzheimer’s.
In a statement, her husband Scott Mitchell said “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.
“Myself, her family and friends will remember Barbara with love, a smile and affection for the many years of her love, fun, friendship and brightness she brought to all our lives and the entertainment she gave to so many thousands of others during her career.”
Windsor was best known for her part in the Carry On films, as well as a long-standing role on Eastenders, where she played much-loved barmaid Peggy Mitchell.
She also had a long career in theatre which started in 1950 when she was 13. Most recently, she starred in Dick Whittington in 2011.
After being made a Dame in 2016, Windsor said “for a girl from the East End born into a working-class family and an evacuee during World War Two, this is truly like a dream.”
Tributes continue to flood in from celebrities and fans on social media.
Words by Emily Withers.
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Image: © BBC