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Two radio shows led by Dame Barbara Windsor will be aired once more in tribute.
The EastEnders legend sadly died yesterday following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 83.
BBC Radio 2 has since announced that it’ll air two programmes that she presented to celebrate her life and amazing contributions to the entertainment industry.
The programmes will be aired by the station this Sunday and next.
The first, Oh Yes It Is – Barbara Windsor on Panto, will air at 9pm this Sunday.
In the show, Barbara explored the uniquely British institution of pantomime.
Known to millions from her roles in the Carry On series of films, Barbara had a lifelong fascination with pantomime.
It began with her very first role as a juvenile at Golders Green Hippodrome in 1950 and carried on to her 2010 appearance as Fairy Bow Bells at the Bristol Hippodrome – her first role after leaving Albert Square.
This programme was originally broadcast in 2013.
The previously billed programme, The Wonderful World Of Cerys (Ep 4), will move to the overnight schedule and be available via BBC Sounds.
On Sunday, December 20, Radio 2 will be broadcasting another show hosted by Barbara, Friday Night Is Music Night – A Handful Of Songs: A Tribute To Lionel Bart.
It will air at 7pm.
On the show, Barbara celebrated the life and music of composer Lionel Bart.
Recorded at Lionel’s beloved Hackney Empire in October 2010, Barbara presented a very special concert. joined by a glittering array of stars from stage and screen including Kerry Ellis, Bradley Walsh, Lee Mead, Eastender’s Samantha Womack, Russ Abbot, Emma Barton and national treasure, Bernard Cribbins.
The show features songs from Lionel’s vast repertoire including his musicals Blitz, Maggie May, Twang and of course, Oliver.
Barbara’s tragic death was announced last night by her heartbroken husband Scott Mitchell.
He told PA: “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.
“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.”
Barbara died at 8.35pm on Thursday at a London care home.