Tributes paid after Eastenders actress Dame Barbara Windsor dies, age 83

One of Britain's most beloved entertainment stars, she first found fame in her role as a buxom blonde in the Carry On films and later became a household name playing Peggy Mitchell, the Queen Vic's battle-axe landlady in BBC soap EastEnders.

Dame Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2014 and made the news public in 2018.

She died at 8.35pm on Thursday at a London care home, her husband Scott Mitchell told PA.

He said the cherished actress's final weeks were typical of how she lived her life and ‘full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end’.

Mr Mitchell said: ‘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.

‘Barbara's final weeks were typical of how she lived her life. Full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end.’

Celebrities from across the world of showbusiness have paid their respects.

Little Britain star Matt Lucas said: ‘She delighted us on stage and sparkled on screen in a long and illustrious career. She also worked tirelessly for charity, and continued to do so, even when her own health was failing her.

‘Her devoted husband Scott has been utterly selfless and heroic in caring for her and I am devastated for him.’

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Nitin Ganatra played Masood Ahmed on EastEnders, first joining in 2007 and leaving for a second time last year.

In his tribute to Dame Barbara, he said: ‘Devastating news to hear of the passing of Dame Barbara Windsor.

‘It was a privilege and honour to work with this remarkable, sparkling, funny, straight talking, generous woman – I will never forget the kindness she showed me.’

Actor Daniel Mays tweeted: ‘I'll never forget how sweet, kind and welcoming Barbara Windsor was to me. An absolute class act who brought joy and laughter. RIP Babs.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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