Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell finds love three years after her death

Scott Mitchell, Barbara Windsor’s widower, has found love with EastEnders actress Tanya Franks three years after her death.

Peggy Mitchell and Carry On icon Dame Barbara of EastEnders passed away in December 2020 at the age of 83 after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Scott, 60, and Tanya, 55, who played Raine Cross on the soap, made their relationship official earlier this month while on holiday in Greece.

The recruiting consultant said, “Life feels really good right now and we’re enjoying a special time together.”

Scott and Tanya are in the early stages of dating and have forged a close friendship over the years as they teamed up to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease with “Bab’s Army.”

Beloved: Peggy Mitchell and Carry On icon Dame Barbara of EastEnders passed away in December 2020 at the age of 83 after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease [pictured 2011]

Soap Star: Tanya has appeared in 382 episodes of EastEnders. She made her debut as Raine in 2007 and signed a full-time contract in 2018. She left the show in 2022.

In 2019, Scott ran the London Marathon with Tanya and raised thousands of Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of Barbara.

Alzheimer’s was a cause close to Tanya’s heart, as she also walked in honor of her stepfather Derek.

Scott and Tanya ran the London Marathon together again this year with other EastEnders stars as part of Bab’s Army.

A source told The sun, Scott is “really happy.” They said, ‘Scott has found love again with Tanya and is really happy. His and Barbara’s friends are delighted that he has found someone to share his life with.

“It’s quite early, but Scott is now cautiously looking to the future. They made the decision to update their wider circles while on vacation in Greece and everyone was over the moon.

“There’s so much friendship and respect between the two of them and they’re taking it easy.”

Scott and Tanya were photographed in each other’s company late last month as they attended the Ashley Brodin summer garden party luncheon.

Tanya has appeared in 382 episodes of EastEnders. She debuted as Raine in 2007 and signed a full-time contract in 2018.

Her last appearance on the soap was in June last year.

In addition to EastEnders, she has a slew of TV credits to her name, including Family Affairs, The Bill, Pulling and Broadchurch.

Happiness: In 2019, Scott ran the London Marathon with Tanya and raised thousands for Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of Barbara

Get out of my pub! Barbara played Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders [pictured with her boys Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Phil (Steve McFadden) in 2016]

Exes: Tanya was married to fellow actor James Barriscale. He played Jonathan Malnet, Jade Green’s adoptive father in the soap (pictured in 2015)

Tanya was married to fellow actor James Barriscale. He played Jonathan Malnet, Jade Green’s adoptive father on the soap.

James also starred in The Bill. It is not known when the couple broke up.

Barbara and Scott got married in 2000 and their romance was controversial at the time due to their 27-year age difference.

Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014 and kept her battle with the disease private for four years.

After her death, Scott said, “Her passing was due to Alzheimer’s/dementia and Barbara eventually passed away peacefully and I have spent the past seven days by her side.

“Myself, her family and friends will remember Barbara with love, smiles and affection for the many years of her love, joy, friendship and brightness she brought to all of our lives and the entertainment she provided to so many thousands of others throughout her career. has given. .

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

After her death, Scott said he thought he could never love again.

Last year, he said heartbreakingly, “I was blessed to have crossed Barbara’s path.

“It shouldn’t have worked on paper, but it worked for us and I’m so thankful she chose me to share her life with because I don’t think I’ll ever find another.”