World News – UK – Dame Barbara Windsor dies aged 83

‘ Barbara’s last few weeks were typical of her life. Full of humor, drama and fighting spirit until the end, ”says husband

Popular British actress Dame Barbara Windsor, best known for her roles on Eastenders and the Carry On film series, has died at the age of 83.

Dame Barbara, a household name British name for decades, passed away on Thursday at 20. 3pm peacefully in a London nursing home after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Her husband Scott Mitchell said the esteemed thespian’s last few weeks were « typical of her life » and « full of humor, drama and fighting spirit until the end ». .

Mr. Mitchell, who has worked with his wife to help understand Alzheimer’s disease and fund research into the disease, said he had spent the past seven days by their side.

« Myself, her family and friends will remember Barbara with love, smiles and affection for the many years of love, fun, friendship and glamor that she has brought into our whole lives, and… for the entertainment she has given so many thousands of others during her career, ”said Mr. Mitchell.

« It wasn’t the ending that Barbara or anyone else living with this very cruel disease deserved, » he added.

“I will always take great pride in Barbara’s courage, dignity and generosity in dealing with her own illness and still trying to help others by raising awareness for as long as possible. ”

In the summer of 2019, the two were appointed ambassadors for the Alzeimer Society’s charity, and both had urged the government to improve care for those affected in the UK.

« Dementia / Alzheimer’s remains the number one killer in the UK, » said Mitchell. « Although in difficult times, I urge the Prime Minister, his government and other parties to keep their previous promises and invest more in dementia / Alzheimer’s research and care.

He thanked « all the doctors, nurses and caregivers who are angels in the nursing home » whom he referred to as « my heroes » and thanked their family, friends and the public for their support during her illness, which he told Lady Barbara « deeply appreciated ».

At the end of his tribute, Mr. Mitchell said, “May you rest in peace now, my precious bar. I’ve lost my wife, best friend, and soul mate, and my heart or life will never feel like this without you. ”

As one of Britain’s most popular entertainment stars, she first rose to fame for her role in the joyful carry-on films and later became a household name playing Peggy Mitchell, the embattled matriarchal landlady of Queen Vic on BBC Soap EastEnders.

Dame Barbara made her debut as Peggy in 1994 and soon became one of the most popular small screen characters yelling at villain drinkers to « get out of my pub! ».

It became the defining role of her career, staring alongside Ross Kemp and Steve McFadden as her fictional sons Grant and Phil, with the late Mike Reid on-screen as her husband Frank Butcher.

The character left our screens in 2003 when Dame Barbara took a medical sabbatical after she was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Virus. In 2005 it returned as a regular series.

In 2009, Lady Barbara announced that she was leaving the soap to spend more time with her husband Scott, whom she married in 2000.

She returned for cameo appearances in Soap over the next several years, but she last played Peggy in 2016.

Premium Independent Comments can be posted by members of our Independent Premium membership program. It enables our most dedicated readers to discuss the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and much more. Our journalists will try to respond by joining the topics when they can to create a real meeting of independent premium. The most insightful comments on all topics are published daily in special articles. You can also be notified by email when someone replies to your comment.

The existing Open Comments threads will persist for those who do not subscribe to Independent Premium. Due to the size of this comment community, we cannot pay the same attention to every post, but we have preserved this section in the interests of open debate. Please continue to respect all commentators and have constructive debates.

Would you like to bookmark your favorite articles and stories for later reading or reference? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

Barbara Windsor, EastEnders, Scott Mitchell, Peggy Mitchell and Carry On Henry