Barbara Windsor's funeral: David Walliams joins EastEnders stars as TV world mourns acting legend

DAME Barbara Windsor's loved ones have turned out to say their goodbyes to the EastEnders legend at her funeral today.

The 83-year-old is being mourned at a private ceremony at Golders Green Crematorium in London.





Among the famous faces in attendance are Barbara's EastEnders co-stars Ross Kemp and Dean Gaffney, as well as her close pals Christopher Biggins, David Walliams and Matt Lucas.

Biggins will be delivering a eulogy as he shares memories of the TV star who died on December 10.

The 4ft 10in film and TV legend passed away "peacefully" at a London care home with her husband Scott Mitchell by her side.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the number of mourners will be greatly limited – with only 30 mourners able to pay their respect.














Biggins revealed details of Barbara Windsor’s private funeral last month.

There was an outpouring of national grief over the actress' passing who was best known for her roles in the Carry On films and BBC's EastEnders.

Christopher said Dame Barbara would have loved being so greatly mourned and missed.

He said: "Barbara would have been thrilled. I have never seen such an outcry of horror from everybody that she died.

"She was the most extraordinary woman and she was a friend of mine for 40 years and she was so special. We went on holiday together and we did shows around the country.

"We've been everywhere. She was extraordinary."








The actor also opened up about feeling "honoured" to be one of the few people allowed to attend her funeral and will be giving a speech.

Barbara's EastEnders co-star and on-screen daughter in law Martine McCutcheon has paid a touching tribute today.

She shared a photo of Babs in her formative years, and wrote: "My Darling Barb, today is your funeral. I so wish the streets of London could be lined with all who loved you, but sadly in these times It’s not an option – But know I’m thinking of you. I always did and always will."

Barbara – who was affectionately known as "Babs" – was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2014 and made the news public in 2018.

She found fame playing a buxom blonde in the bawdy comedies and later became a TV favourite as Peggy Mitchell in the hit BBC soap.

EastEnders paid tribute to the Peggy Mitchell actress last week with a special tribute.




On December 29, the episode concluded with all of the cast and crew for the entire year thanked in the credits.

And as the lengthy list drew to a close, "in loving memory of Dame Barbara Windsor MBE" flashed up on viewers' screens over the show's famous London backdrop.

The much-loved star and Carry On favourite has been praised for her “extraordinary” work raising dementia awareness.

Since her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2014, she and husband Scott have helped raise funds for research into the disease – including a £4million haul through the London Marathon.

A JustGiving page set up as a tribute to Dame Barbara and in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK has raised almost £150,000.



Scott thanked Sun readers back in December for helping to raise the cash in the actress's memory.

He said: "I have been completely overwhelmed by the response from Barbara’s fans, friends and former colleagues.

"This outpouring of support has filled me with pride and been a huge comfort to me. It just shows how loved, respected and adored my Barbara was. That’s magical."

He continued: "I’m determined to honour her legacy by doing everything I can to support dementia research and help Alzheimer’s Research UK’s search for a cure."

To donate, click here.

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