Ross Kemp has paid tribute to his friend and former co-star Dame Barbara Windsor, following her death on Thursday evening.
The veteran actress, who was famed for her onscreen charisma in the Carry On films and BBC One soap EastEnders, has died at the age of 83.
Windsor had been battling dementia for many years, and spent the last few months of her life in a care home.
Ross, who played her onscreen son on EastEnders, had a close friendship with the actress since they first met on set in the mid-90s.
Taking to Twitter on Friday evening, the actor paid a sensitive tribute to her life and legacy, reaching out to her beloved husband Scott Mitchell.
Ross Kemp has paid tribute to his friend and former co-star Dame Barbara Windsor
He said: “Dame Barbara Windsor, the woman who always had time for everybody, has sadly left us. I will miss Bar always.
“My thoughts are with her husband Scott, who could have done no more and who stayed strong for her to the very end.”
Below, Ross’ followers sent their wishes to the grieving star, remembering Babs’ life and legacy both on and off-screen.
One said: “Can’t imagine how you’re feeling today at such a huge loss but the nation is with you. Sad news indeed but she’ll now shine brighter than ever before.”
The late Dame Barbara Windsor is survived by her husband Scott Mitchell (Image: PA)
“A light has gone out today but we have a new bright star in the sky , Dame Barbara was a national treasure , sorry for your loss and thoughts and prayers go out to Scott,” wrote a second.
And a third, referring to Phil Mitchell actor Steve McDonald, wrote: “You, Steve and Barbara made a great trio. Sad day.”
Windsor joined the cast of EastEnders in 1994, accepting the role of pub landlady Peggy Mitchell and taking over from actress Jo Warne.
Babs, Ross and actor Steve McDonald made up the Mitchell family in Walford (Image: BBC)
The Mitchells have been at the heart of the soap ever since, with Ross playing her son Grant Mitchell since 1990.
While both Babs and Ross eventually left the cast of EastEnders, their friendship continued, staying in touch throughout her battle with dementia.
Dame Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, and earlier this year, Ross gave a heartbreaking update on her condition.
In a piece he wrote for The Sun, Ross recalled: “I’ve been in Barbara Windsor’s house for just a few minutes. I’m sitting down with a cup of tea and a biscuit with my friend of three decades. I’m taken aback, but I can’t show it.”
He continued: “Barbara was my TV mum on EastEnders and is hilariously funny and vivacious, with a rapier wit – we’ve always had a giggle, on and off set. But now she clearly has no idea who I am.”
The details of Windsor’s funeral have yet to be announced, as the showbiz world continues to pay tribute to her glittering legacy in film and television.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
