EASTENDERS fans were left in tears this evening as the soap paid touching tribute to Dame Barbara Windsor after her death.
The star’s husband Scott confirmed that the 83-year-old actress had “peacefully” passed away last night [10 December] following her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
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.
EastEnders fans flocked to Twitter to share their reaction to the poignant tribute, with one writing: “Nice tribute to Barbara at the end.”
Another added: “I’m so glad they made a respect post at the end of the episode, she was a bloody legend.”
A third said: “I saw what they did in the credits tonight. Nice touch!”
Other shared strings of crying and heartbreak emojis alongside a screengrab of the tribute.
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.”
