Dame Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell takes on new role as he continues his campaign against dementia: ‘I know how proud she would have been’
Dame Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell has taken on a new role as he continues his campaign in the fight against dementia.
Barbara, known for her portrayal of Peggy Mitchell in the BBC soap EastEnders, died in 2020 at the age of 83 from Alzheimer’s disease.
Scott, 61, will become the people’s champion of the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Mission.
The charity was founded in 2021 by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson in memory of the actress, who also acted in the film series Carry On.
It asks volunteers to join ‘Babs’ Army’ and help people diagnosed with dementia and their families.
Scott, 61, will become the People’s Champion of the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Mission, which was founded in 2021 by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Barbara, known for her portrayal of Peggy Mitchell in the BBC soap EastEnders, died in 2020 at the age of 83
Scott began caring for Barbara in 2014 when she became ill. He told The Sun why his new role as her charity’s people’s champion would have meant so much to Barbara
Scott began caring for Barbara in 2014 when she became ill. He told The sun why his new role would have meant so much to Barbara.
He said: “I will never cease to be proud of the courage, dignity and generosity that Barbara showed in her efforts to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s for as long as possible, whilst dealing with her own illness.
‘She gave a voice to millions of people affected by this terrible disease and we are told her statement changed the entire conversation around dementia.
‘I know how proud she would have been when, almost two years ago, we launched the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Mission in her memory… but until we find a cure, there is still so much more for us to do.’
Experts predict that the number of people with dementia in Britain will increase from the current figure of 944,000 to well over a million by 2025.
Since Barbara’s death, Scott has moved on with ‘amazing’ fellow EastEnders actress Tanya Franks, who played Rainie Cross in the soap.
The couple had developed a close friendship over the years while working with the charity and Bab’s Army.
Scott told Kaye Adams about her How to Turn 60 podcast he is “very happy” in his new relationship with Tanya, 56, someone who is “very understanding.”
He said: “She is a wonderful lady who knew Barbara. It can’t be easy being with someone who was the other half of Barbara Windsor, especially since I still put myself out there and talk about her.
“So it says to me about the type of person Tanya is that she can handle that. She is very sure of herself as a person. Just because you’re not with someone for whatever reason doesn’t mean you’re just turning off a valve of love.’
Scott was Barbara’s third husband and they married in 2000.
Since Barbara’s death, Scott has moved on with ‘amazing’ fellow EastEnders actress Tanya Franks, who played Rainie Cross in the soap