THE cast and crew of EastEnders took a minute of silence to remember their beloved icon, Dame Barbara Windsor.
The entire team on BBC’s Walford set paused to remember the 83-year-old actress who “peacefully” passed away last night [10 December] following her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
EastEnders’ cast and crew gathered to share some words about the actress who played Peggy Mitchell for more than a decade.
They then paused for a minute’s silence in what was described as a “very emotional day”.
“We had two units working and on both some sincere words were said and 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,” a show source told Mirror.
John Greening, one of EastEnderss bosses said on Twitter: “Today I’m working in the Queen Vic. It will be surreal to think its legendary landlady has left us. Much love to you Scott, and thanks Barbara for nearly twenty years of fun.”
The show also released a statement marking her tragic passing.
EastEnders bosses also paid tribute to Dame Barbara in a statement following her death.
“We are all deeply saddened that we’ve lost our Dame,” EastEnders said in a statement.
“From the moment Barbara stepped foot in Walford she created an icon in Peggy Mitchell, our formidable Landlady, 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. Our thoughts go out to Scott and Barbara’s family. Rest in peace Dame Barbara Windsor, MBE.”
Today’s on set tribute comes as the BBC threw out its planned TV schedule to run a tribute to Dame Barbara.
The screen icon played beloved landlady Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap between 1994 and and 2016, with the character one of Walford’s most iconic roles.
Tonight’s episode of EastEnders was pushed back as the Beeb remembered Barbara with a touching tribute, which followed a special The One Show episode that honoured the star.
And they added an additional mention at the end of the soap, which moved viewers to tears.
After the credits rolled and famous theme tune played out, the words: “In loving memory of Dame Barbara Windsor MBE 1937 – 2020″ appeared on a black screen.
Earlier in the evening, former EastEnders’ stars Patsy Palmer and Shane Richie broke down in tears on The One Show as they remembered their close friend.
Barbara’s husband Scott Mitchell confirmed that the star had died “peacefully” at 8.35pm yesterday [10 December] evening at a London care home.
Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014 and made the news public in 2018.
In a moving tribute, he called her his “precious Bar” and said: “I’ve lost my wife, my best friend and soul mate.”
