DANNIELLA Westbrook paid an emotional tribute to her EastEnders mum, Dame Barbara Windsor.
The EastEnders and Carry On star died last night at her London care home, six years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Danniella first appeared on the beloved BBC soap in 1990 as Sam Mitchell, the daughter of Barbara’s iconic, Peggy Mitchell.
The Mitchells have been crucial to EastEnders’ success and longevity and viewers were for years gripped by the drama surrounding the family.
Danniella appeared on Sky News this afternoon to pay tribute to her onscreen mum.
Speaking from her Essex home, Danniella described the small screen legend as a ‘real’ star.
It comes after Danniella poured her heart out on Twitter, opening up about how today was a “sad, sad day”.
She wrote: “Today we lost a legend a national treasure and a woman who I looked up to for most of my life.
“A generous, warm, funny humble and beautiful lady and someone who gave us all much joy watching her act.
“A woman who I was lucky enough to work with for many years as my mum and a loyal friend. The brightest of all stars will now shine above us instead of among us.”
Danniella added: “Sending my love to Scott at this sad time. My heart is heavy broken in two. Bar I love you. Rest In Peace my queen. Goodnight and God bless you.”
Steve McFadden acted alongside Dame Barbara as her EastEnders character Peggy Mitchell’s son Phil for two decades.
A representative for the star said he is “devastated” by the news.
Barbara’s heartbroken husband Scott Mitchell, 57, said the actress “brought brightness to our lives’.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
