EastEnders’ Emma Barton has revealed the profound impact late co-star Dame Barbra Windsor had on her life on and off the set.
The actress, 46, who plays Honey Mitchell in the soap, gushed over the iconic Carry On star who sadly lost her battle with Alzheimer’s in December 2020 aged of 83.
She also shared that Barbara gave her a sweet gift which she cherishes to this day and says it helps the actress’ ‘memory live on’.
Emma joined the BBC soap in 2005 and acted opposite Barbara (who played Peggy Mitchell since 1994) in numerous scenes after their characters became family, before Babs decided to finally leave the show in 2016.
Emma fondly recalled to The Mirror: ‘Barbara was the queen of our show, and I think she was also a queen in many people’s hearts, what I remember about Barbara is that she was just so professional and had this tremendous work ethic.
EastEnders ‘ Emma Barton, 46, has revealed the profound impact late co-star Dame Barbra Windsor had on her life on and off the set
The actress who plays Honey Mitchell in the soap, gushed over the iconic Carry On star who sadly lost her battle with Alzheimer’s in December 2020 aged of 83 (pictured together on the soap in 2006)
‘She knew everyone’s name not just the cast, but the whole crew. I learned so much from her. I was always a fan of the Carry On films and would ask her things. She just loved to talk about those times’.
Discussing Barbara’s gift she said: ‘Not long before she got ill, she gave me a framed black and white picture of herself from one of the films, which she signed for me with a lovely message. That picture is now on the wall in my living room, so her memory lives on.’
In 2019 Emma joined Barbara’s husband Scott Mitchel and co-stars Kellie Shirley, Tanya Franks, Jamie Borthwick and Jane Slaughter to run the London Marathon to raise money for Dementia Revolution.
Barbara was famed for her infectious laugh and baring all in the Carry On films, the east London-born actress universally known as ‘Babs’, boasted a 66-year career in showbiz.
She first appeared on stage aged 13 before retiring at 79 amid her devastating battle with dementia.
Her death revealed in a statement by her husband Scott which read: ‘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.’
He added: ‘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.
The formerly Strictly competitor joined the BBC soap in 2005 and acted opposite Barbara (who played Peggy Mitchell since 1994) in numerous scenes after their characters became family, before Babs decided to finally leave the show in 2016 (pictured together at the NTAs in 2007)
Emma said: ‘Barbara was the queen of our show, and I think she was also a queen in many people’s hearts, what I remember about Barbara is that she was just so professional and had this tremendous work ethic’ (pictured in EastEnders in 2008)
Before adding: ‘She knew everyone’s name not just the cast, but the whole crew. I learned so much from her. I was always a fan of the Carry On films and would ask her things. She just loved to talk about those times’ (Barbara pictured in 1969’s Carry On Again Doctor)
In 2019 Emma joined Barbara’s husband Scott Mitchel and co-stars to run the London Marathon to raise money for Dementia Revolution . (left to right) Jane Slaughter, Kellie Shirley, Jamie Borthwick, Scott Mitchell, Emma Barton and Tanya Franks
At the end of his moving tribute, he said: ‘May you rest in peace now my precious Bar. I’ve lost my wife, my best friend and soul mate and my heart or life will never feel the same without you.’
Scott had moved into Barbara’s care home a few days earlier to be by her side when she died.
The actress had no children, often saying she never regretted it because of the way she had been rejected by her own father, and spoke candidly about having five abortions in her life.
Mr Mitchell said his wife’s final weeks were ‘typical of how she lived her life’ and were ‘full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end’.
The BBC said in a statement at the time: ‘We are all deeply saddened that that we’ve lost our Dame. From the moment Barbara stepped foot in Walford she created an icon in Peggy Mitchell, our formidable Landlady, who the audience instantly fell in love with.
‘But to all of us at EastEnders, she was our dearest friend who was truly loved and adored by everyone. Our thoughts go out to Scott and Barbara’s family. Rest in peace Dame Barbara Windsor, MBE.’
While her lifelong friend Sir Elton John tweeted: ‘The world has lost the biggest ray of light. And heaven has the sweetest and funniest angel’.
