Lorraine Kelly has paid tribute to the ‘amazing’ Dame Barbara Windsor after the tragic news of the soap star’s death.
The 83-year-old actress passed away in a London care home last night following a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Tributes have been pouring in for the star, who will be remembered for her roles in the Carry On series and Eastenders.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain today, Lorraine said: “It’s so sad, but you know it’s been so lovely to celebrate her life - boy, what a life she had and what an amazing amazing woman.
“Do you know the thing about her, though? I remember her husband used to say that it took them ages to go anywhere because everybody wanted to stop and just say hello or take a photo.
"She was the kind of person that everyone would ask for a photo or have a wee chat, she would be there.”
London-born Dame Barbara initially found fame for her starring role in the series of Carry On comedy films during the 1960s and 70s.
She was also known to generations of British soap fans as no nonsense landlady Peggy Mitchell in the hit BBC show Eastenders.
Steve McFadden, who plays her on-screen son Phil Mitchell, said he was “devastated” by her death.
Barbara’s husband Scott confirmed that news to PA late last night.
He said in a statement: “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.
“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.
"I will be making no further statements and now need the time to grieve this painful, personal loss."
