BEST BAR NONE:
FAREWELL TO OUR BABS: ENDERS PAY TRIBUTE Cast & crew tell of love for star who ruled roost
THE devastated EastEnders family has paid an emotional tribute to the “adored” star who was the undisputed Queen of the Vic.
She was everything you would hope she would be, and more
Dame Barbara Windsor was a fan favourite as feisty landlady Peggy Mitchell, her trademark yell of “Get outta my pub” echoing around Albert Square.
But the iconic set was hushed yesterday as the cast and crew who also loved her held a minute’s silence.
Senior staff made a short speech as Barbara’s life was remembered in the studios at BBC Elstree Centre, in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
A show source said: “We had two units working and on both of them, sincere words were said. Then there was a period of silence to remember her.
“It was a very emotional day. Barbara was a huge part of the show’s history.”
I’m a Celeb star Shane Richie, 56, who played Alfie Moon, said: “I’m devastated, as Barbara was a friend as well as my boss in the Vic. We shared many a story in between filming.”
Speaking while presenting The One Show, he added: “She really was a people’s person, she absolutely loved the general public. The general public adored her, from the Carry On films right up to Peggy Mitchell.”
And referring to his appearance, he said: “I’m wearing a suit and I wouldn’t normally. Babs always used to say, ‘ Sweetheart, if you want to be a star, look like a star, all right darling’. And that’s why I’m wearing one.”
On the Enders set John Greening, one of the soap’s long-term directors, said:
“Today I’m working in the Queen Vic. “It will be surreal to think its legendary landlady has left us. Thanks, Barbara, for nearly 20 years of fun.”
The BBC tore up its schedule last night to air biopic Babs, followed by EastEnders. A dedication was made at the end of the episode, with a black screen bearing the white words: “In loving memory of Dame Barbara Windsor MBE 1937-2020.”
EastEnders bosses also paid tribute in a statement following her death aged 83.
A spokeswoman said: “We are all deeply saddened that we’ve lost our Dame. The moment Barbara set foot in Walford, she created an icon in Peggy Mitchell, who the audience instantly fell in love with. But to all of us at EastEnders, she was our dearest friend who was truly loved and adored by everyone.”
The soap is building a new set at Elstree and is now likely to honour Barbara there in some way.
Some fans have called for a statue but
STEVE MCFADDEN ON HOW HE DESCRIBES BABS
She was larger than life. She was the head girl at EastEnders
LARRY LAMB ON BABS’ IMPACT ON BBC SOAP
sources told the Mirror the type of tribute or memorial would have to be discussed with her family at a later date.
Many of the current cast had worked alongside Barbara, who joined in 1994 and left for good in 2016. They yesterday told of their sadness at her passing – and how much she had meant to them.
Steve McFadden, her on-screen son Phil Mitchell, said he “truly loved Barbara”. The 61-year-old said: “When anyone asked what she was like, I would always say she was everything you would hope she would be, and more.”
Sharon Mitchell star Letitia Dean, 53, said Barbara “will be missed beyond
measure”, adding: “They broke the mould, there will never be another like that incredible woman.”
Dot Cotton actress June Brown, 93, said: “I’m thinking of Babs as she was when she came in to EastEnders as Peggy Mitchell – tiny, bright, bubbly, pretty and friendly to everyone.
“She soon became loved by all the cast. We became great friends. We had adjoining dressing rooms, she was always popping in for coffee. I wish we had more scenes together but our only one was in her last episode, when Dot said goodbye, knowing she was dying.”
Ross Kemp, 56, who played screen son Grant Mitchell, said: “Dame Barbara Windsor, the woman who always had time for everybody, has sadly left us. I will miss Bar always.
He added: “My thoughts are with her husband Scott, who could have done no more and stayed strong for her to the very end.”
Ian Beale actor Adam Woodyatt, 52, said: “I grew up watching Babs in the Carry On films and to then work with her was a privilege and honour. I have so many happy memories and moments I will always cherish, even when Peggy floored Ian with a punch.”
Larry Lamb, who played Peggy’s love interest Archie Mitchell, recalled the first time they met on the set. The 73-year-old said: “She decided she wanted a new man in the show and I was the one chosen. And she just looked at me because she was such a tiny thing, I did not realise, and she said, ‘ You are tall, never mind, darling, we’re all the same height lying down.’
“She was larger than life. She was the head girl at EastEnders, she was the one everybody respected and she liked everything to run smoothly.
“She was an old-school actress. She knew how to keep everybody together and make it a team, she was really special.” Jessie Wallace, 49, who played Alfie’s wife Kat, said: “My darling Barbara. So heartbroken to hear you have left us. I love you.”
Honey Mitchell actress Emma Barton, 43, said: “Darling Dame Barbara, a shining showbiz light has gone out. Sleep tight, rest in peace.”
Danniella Westbrook, 47, who was on-screen daughter Sam Mitchell, said: “My heart is broken. Bar, you will always be in my heart for ever.”
Jake Wood, 48, Max Branning in the soap, said: “Heartbroken. We’ll never see the like again.” And Tanya Branning actress Jo Joyner, 43, said:
“So warm, so witty, always a twinkle in your eye and so rightly adored.
“Sending love up to the stars for you, Bar, you’ve always been one of them.”