'It's about moving forward, not on'

As Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell finds love again with a friend of the star, experts tell us this kind of relationship is common and provides support

- Alison Graves

Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell has found love again with EastEnders regular Tanya Franks – a former colleague of the actress and part of the London Marathon fundraising group Babs’ Army.

Losing a partner is one of the most difficult experiences life can throw at us. It can be a lonely, frightening time, when the kindness of family and friends is invaluable. Little wonder then that for some that support turns into something deeper.

The recent images of Barbara’s widower Scott happily strolling in the sunshine with a new partner will have gladdened the hearts of many – and raised the eyebrows of some.

Scott was steadfast in his loyalty to Barbara, his wife of 20 years, before she died in 2020 after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Now it looks like he is enjoying a blossoming romance with an actress who regularly shared the screen with his wife.

How close the two women were is uncertain but, according to grief and funeral care specialist Lianna Champ, the situation isn’t uncommon.