The UK is mourning the death of Dame Barbara Windsor, who died at the age of 83 after a six-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Dame Barbara's husband Scott Mitchell [1]announced her death [2] in 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 star, best known for her roles in the Carry On films and EastEnders was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014, and made the news public in 2018. Following the diagnosis, Dame Barbara and her husband campaigned for better dementia care and research from the UK government.
"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," Scott continued. "Barbara's final weeks were typical of how she lived her life. Full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end. It was not the ending that Barbara or anyone else living with this very cruel disease deserve. I will always be immensely proud of Barbara's courage, dignity and generosity dealing with her own illness and still trying to help others by raising awareness for as long as she could."
Tributes from Dame Barbara's friends and costars have continued to pour in as loved ones reflect on the actor's impactful legacy. "Working with you, spending time with you, and being your friend was the one of the greatest thrills of my life. You were the unofficial Queen of England, an icon for over half a century and treasured by the nation," David Walliams wrote in an emotional eulogy. Actor Paul O'Grady shared a similar sentiment, writing, "I'm absolutely gutted to hear that my friend of 30 years [3], Dame Barbara Windsor has passed away. She was an incredible lady and if you looked up the definition of Professional in the dictionary it would say Barbara Windsor. My love and sympathy to her husband Scott. Rest in peace Bar, it was a privilege to have known you." Keep reading to see more of the heartfelt homages to Dame Barbara.
Boris Johnson
"So sad about Barbara Windsor, so much more than a great pub landlady & Carry On star. She campaigned for the lonely and the vulnerable - and cheered the world up [4] with her own British brand of harmless sauciness & innocent scandal. Thoughts with Scott and all her family & friends.."
David Walliams
"Goodbye Dame Babs [5]. You were my first love as a child in the Carry On films and I will love you forever. Working with you, spending time with you, and being your friend was the one of the greatest thrills of my life. You were the unofficial Queen of England, an icon for over half a century and treasured by the nation."
Patsy Palmer
"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 [6] . 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 . @scott.mitchell3 You were the best husband she could've wished for . You deserve the highest accolade. We shared such magical times together and I'll cherish every one . I can hear that laugh now as I sit and think about her . I hope it'll ring in my ears forever . She always looked out for me and so did you . Love you both very much . I'm gutted ! I could say so much but I'm so sad . RIP BABS . 😢😢😢😢🙏🏻"
Danniella Westbrook
"Today we lost a legend a national treasure [7] and a woman who I looked up too for most off my life [sic]. A generous warm funny humble and beautiful lady & someone who gave us all much joy watching her act. A woman who I was lucky enough to work with for many years as my mum & a loyal."
Danny Dyer
"Rest in Peace Babs [8]. There is only one Dame in my eyes. So grateful to have known ya. You was a beautiful rare one. ❤️❤️❤️"
Paul O'Grady
"I'm absolutely gutted to hear that my friend of 30 years [9], Dame Barbara Windsor has passed away. She was an incredible lady and if you looked up the definition of Professional in the dictionary it would say Barbara Windsor. My love and sympathy to her husband Scott. Rest in peace Bar, it was a privilege to have known you."
India Willoughby
"It's a mark of how much Barbara Windsor stole the show [10] that she only appeared in nine of the 31 Carry On films - yet you think she's in every one. Same with the Queen Vic. Which will always be her pub."
Piers Morgan
"What bloody sad news to wake up to [11]... Barbara Windsor was the funniest, warmest, naughtiest, kindest & most big-hearted of people. She was also a fabulous actress with the world's most infectious giggle. Absolutely loved her. RIP Babs, and thanks for all the laughs."