EastEnders’ Emma Barton reveals the profound impact late co-star Barbara Windsor had on her life and shares the cherished memento the Carry On star gifted her before her death in 2020

EastEnders’ Emma Barton has revealed the profound impact late co-star Dame Barbara Windsor had on her life, both on and off set.

The actress, 46, who plays Honey Mitchell in the soap, sadly gushed about the iconic Carry On star lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease in December 2020 at the age of 83.

She also shared that Barbara gave her a sweet gift that she cherishes to this day and that it helps the “actress’s memory” live on.

Emma joined the BBC soap in 2005 and appeared in numerous scenes opposite Barbara (who played Peggy Mitchell since 1994) after their characters became family, before Babs decided to finally leave the show in 2016.

Emma remembered it fondly The mirror: ‘Barbara was the queen of our show, and I think she was a queen in a lot of people’s hearts too. What I remember about Barbara is that she was just so professional and had a great work ethic.

The actress who plays Honey Mitchell in the soap raved about the iconic Carry On star who sadly lost her battle with Alzheimer’s in December 2020 at the age of 83 (pictured together in 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 asked her things. She just loved talking about those times.”

About Barbara’s gift, she said: ‘Not long before she got sick, she gave me a framed black and white photo of herself from one of the films, which she signed for me with a beautiful message. That photo now hangs 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 famous for her infectious laugh and revelation in the Carry On films. The East London-born actress, commonly known as ‘Babs’, had a 66-year career in showbiz.

She first appeared on stage at the age of 13 before retiring at the age of 79 amid her devastating battle with dementia.

Her death was revealed in a statement from her husband Scott, which said: ‘Her death was due to Alzheimer’s disease/dementia and Barbara ultimately died peacefully and I spent the last 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, fun, friendship and brightness she brought to all our lives and the entertainment she provided to so many thousands during her career has given to others. .’

He added: ‘It was not the ending that Barbara or anyone else living with this very cruel disease deserves. I will always be immensely proud of 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 she could.

The former Strictly competitor joined the BBC soap in 2005 and starred in numerous scenes opposite Barbara (who played Peggy Mitchell since 1994) after their characters became family, before Babs decided to eventually leave the show in 2016 (pictured together on the NTAs in 2007).

Emma said: ‘Barbara was the queen of our show, and I think she was a queen in a lot of people’s hearts too. What I remember about Barbara is that she was just so professional and had a great 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 asked her things. She 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 now rest in peace, my dear Bar. I have lost my wife, my best friend and soulmate and my heart and life will never feel the same without you.”

Scott had moved into Barbara’s nursing home a few days earlier to be by her side when she died.

The actress had no children and often said that she never regretted it because of the way she was rejected by her own father, and spoke candidly about having had five abortions in her life.

Mr Mitchell said his wife’s final weeks were ‘typical of the way she lived her life’ and were ‘full of humour, drama and fighting spirit until the end’.

The BBC said in a statement at the time: ‘We are all deeply saddened to have lost our Lady. From the moment Barbara walked into Walford, she created an icon in Peggy Mitchell, our formidable landlady, with whom the audience immediately fell in love.

‘But for 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 its greatest ray of light. And heaven has the sweetest and funniest angel’.