Skip to Content

Dame Barbara Windsor has died aged 83 - here we look back at her best on screen moments

Barbara's husband Scott shared a statement today.

By Jodie Anderson
barbara windsor at the royal mail 1st class people awards 2005
J. Quinton//Getty Images

Actress Dame Barbara Windsor, who was best known for her role as Peggy Mitchell in Eastenders, has died aged 83. Barabra's husband Scott Mitchell said she died on Thursday (10 December).

In a statement to The Guardian, Scott said: "Her passing was from Alzheimer’s/dementia and Barbara eventually died peacefully and I spent the last seven days by her side.

"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.

"Barbara’s final weeks were typical of how she lived her life. Full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end."

From her theatre production to a string of laugh-out-loud moments in the famous Carry On films and securing a firm place in our hearts as Peggy Mitchell in Eastenders, Barbara Windsor had an incredible career. She was also nominated for a British Academy Film Award for her role in Sparrows Can't Sing in 1963.

Here, we look back at her best on and off screen moments.

1

Barbara Windsor, smiling since the beginning in 1955

a young barbara windsor with patricia start
John Pratt//Getty Images

A young Barbara Windsor with Patricia Start, a fellow student at the Aida Forster Dancing School, were caught laughing together on a fairground ride at the Battersea Festival Gardens in London, 1955.

2

Barbara Windsor, 1955

a young barbara windsor
Mirrorpix//Getty Images

A young Barbara Windsor posed during a photo session in October 1955. She started her career on stage in 1950 and made her first film appearance in an uncredited role in The Belles of St Trinian's in 1954.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

High kicks in 1955

babara windsor
George W. Hales//Getty Images

TV actress Barbara Windsor practised her high kicks at the Aida Foster Stage School for the role of Red Riding Hood in pantomime.

4

Barbara Windsor circa 1960

barbara windsor, carry on windsor
Hulton Archive//Getty Images

English actress and star of the Carry On films, Barbara Windsor circa 1960.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Barbara in the bath, 1964

barbara windsor in the bath
Keystone//Getty Images

A young Barbara Windsor in the bath during filming of Crooks in the Cloisters, 1964

6

Barbara Windsor putting on lipstick, 1964

barbara windsor putting on lipstick
Evening Standard//Getty Images

Barbara Windsor puts on lipstick in her dressing room, August 1964.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Barbara hitch-hiking in 1965

barbara windsor
Hulton Archive//Getty Images

In 1965, Barbara Windsor played a hitch-hiker in the British comedy San Ferry Ann which was directed by Jeremy Summers for British Lion.

8

Barbara's name in lights, 1966

barbara windsor in twang
Terry Disney//Getty Images

The front of the Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End during a run of Lionel Bart's 'Twang!', which starred Barbara Windsor, Maxwell Shaw and James Booth.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Buying a flat in 1964

barbara windsor
Mirrorpix//Getty Images

Barbara Windsor in her new flat in the 60s.

10

Carry On Camping, 1969

barbara windsor in carry on camping
United Archives//Getty Images

Barbara Windsor in one of her most famous screen roles, Carry On Camping with Hattie Jacques.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Barbara Windsor ready for Christmas

barbara windsor feeling festive
Express//Getty Images

Barbara Windsor posed in a festive outfit for a pantomime appearance, circa 1970.

12

Carry on... Celebrating!

barbara windsor celebrating 'carry on' at the dorchester hotel
Evening Standard//Getty Images

Barbara Windsor and Kenneth Williams were two of the most famous Carry On stars and firm friends. Here they are at a party held at the Dorchester Hotel in London to celebrate the 21st Carry On film going into production.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Barbara Windsor and the Carry On cast in 1972

barbara windsor in carry on abroad
United Archives//Getty Images

In 1972, Barbara Windsor starred in Carry On Abroad alongside Kenneth Williams (left) and Sid James (right). The film was about a group of British holidaymakers visiting an unfinished hotel.

14

Barbara Windsor and Tommy Tune, 1972

tommy tune and barbara windsor
J. Wilds//Getty Images

Actor Tommy Tune reached over the head of Barbara to take a drink from a waiter. The moment happened at a press reception for their film The Boy Friend.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

Barbara Windsor and Sid James, 1973

barbara windsor and sid james rehearsing in soho
Mirrorpix//Getty Images

The cast of Carry on London rehearsed in Soho. Barbara Windsor is photographed smiling with Sid James in September 1973.

16

Barbara in Worzel Gummidge, 1979

barbara windsor filming worzel gummidge 1979
Mirrorpix//Getty Images

Filming of the children's television series Worzel Gummidge took place in Devon. Barbara Windsor played Saucy Nancy, a figurehead of a ship in the harbour who falls in love with Worzel.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

Barbara Windsor at home, 1980

barbara windsor at home
Mirrorpix//Getty Images

Barbara at home with her long-haired collie in October 1980.

18

LGBT Pride, 1997

babara windsor and graham norton at pride
Steve Eason//Getty Images

Barbara Windsor waved to crowds during Pride celebrations in July 1997. She shared a car with television presenter Graham Norton.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Comic Relief, 1997

barbara windsor comic relief archive 1990's
Comic Relief//Getty Images

Barbara Windsor supported Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day celebrations in, 1997.

20

Seeing double!

barbara windsor waxwork unveiling april 1, 2000
Fred Duval//Getty Images

Barbara unveiled a waxwork of herself at Madame Tussauds in 2000.

Watch Next 
preview for Celebrity interviews
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below