A hug for brave Babs from pal David Walliams
IN a touching photograph, David Walliams smiles broadly as he wraps a protective arm around his old pal Barbara Windsor.
The stars were enjoying afternoon tea together after the news last month that Dame Barbara, 80, has Alzheimer’s disease.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Walliams, 46, posted the image on Instagram with the caption: ‘Afternoon tea with the woman of my dreams ever since I was a boy, the unbreakable Dame Barbara Windsor.’
Fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden commented on the photograph: ‘Big love.’
And TV presenter Ruth Langsford added: ‘Send her a massive hug from me.’
EastEnders star Dame Barbara, who found fame in the Carry On films of the Sixties, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in April 2014, but she and her husband Scott Mitchell only told close friends and family until they made it public in May.
The actress spoke publicly on ITV’s Loose Women last month for the first time since it was revealed she has the disease. Walliams and Dame Barbara have been close friends for many years. They were pictured together as far back as 2006 attending a fancy dress party alongside comedian Matt Lucas.
In 2008 Walliams treated his mother Kathleen to a meal at Mayfair fish restaurant Scott’s, where they were joined by Dale Winton and Dame Barbara. The four were photographed linking arms as they strolled along the street.
Two years ago the former Little Britain star posted a picture of himself and Dame Barbara hugging during a Pet Shop Boys concert at London’s Royal Opera House.
Mr Mitchell, 55, has told how Alzheimer’s had robbed Dame Barbara of memories of their 25-year relationship – including 18 years of marriage. He decided to speak out about her illness after her memory loss worsened.