Barbara Windsor's EastEnders 'son' Ross Kemp says he'll miss her always in poignant post
Barbara Windsor's former onscreen son Ross Kemp, who played Grant Mitchell in EastEnders, has paid tribute to the former first lady of Walford
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EastEnders star Ross Kemp has paid tribute to his onscreen mum Barbara Windsor following her death aged 83.
The actor, who played Peggy Mitchell's son Grant Mitchell in the BBC One soap, joined his former colleagues in honouring the TV legend, who died on Thursday after a battle with Alzheimer's.
He wrote: "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."
Ross spent years working with Barbara on the show, playing her tough guy son Grant alongside Steve McFadden as his brother Phil.
Steve also joined tributes to Barbara, with his representative saying the actor was "devastated" by her death.
The telly star added:"I truly loved Barbara and, like everyone, I am going to miss her terribly.
"When anyone ever asked what she was like, I would always say she was everything you would hope she would be, and more."
Letitia Dean, whose character Sharon Mitchell was married to both brothers, said: "I would like to say what utterly heartbreaking news I woke up to this morning.
"They broke the mould when they made Dame Barbara Windsor, there will never be another like that incredible woman, everyone who met her loved her and she will be deeply missed.
"I would like to send everything I have to her amazing husband Scott, what a beautiful soul he is.
"My heart goes out to him and I just wish I could give him the biggest cuddle he has ever had. RIP dearest Barbara. You will be missed beyond measure."
An EastEnders spokesperson said: "We are all deeply saddened that that we've lost our Dame.
"Barbara created an icon in Peggy Mitchell, our formidable Landlady.
"To all of us at EastEnders, she was our dearest friend, truly loved and adored by everyone.
"Our thoughts go out to Scott and Barbara's family."
The EastEnders and Carry On legend was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, but kept her condition secret until symptoms started to show in 2018.
Her condition had worsened in recent months and she died at 8.35pm on Thursday at a London care home.
Her husband Scott said the actress' final weeks were "typical of how she lived her life" and "full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end".
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