Barbara would be incredibly proud that her name is still helping people four years on

ONE of the most joyful stars to grace TV screens, it's no surprise that Barbara Windsor's light continues to shine brightly more than four years after her death.

- JANINE YAQOOB and JANE ODDY

Millions mourned the EastEnders and Carry On favourite's passing from Alzheimer's at 83 in December 2020.

And while Dame Barbara may have gone, she's certainly not forgotten - as her widower carries on campaigning for dementia research, treatment and care in her name.

"She'd be incredibly proud now to know that her name is still helping people," says Scott Mitchell, 62, at the home they once shared in London.

He talks about the amazing legacy Barbara has left, the lasting effect her death has had on him as he still struggles to sleep five years on - and finding love again with former East-Enders actress Tanya Franks.

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Scott leads the government-backed Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme and wants a meeting with UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting to push for further action.

"I'm very proud of the lady she was and the mark that she's left," smiles Scott, speaking ahead of Dementia Action Week.

"I always joke and say, 'She won't only be remembered for a bra flying off in Carry On Camping or telling people to get out of her pub'.

"There's a new legacy for Barbara Windsor. And that is the world of dementia, helping people, and that's very important"

The actress who played Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014.

Watching her fade away over six years was incredibly tough for Scott.

"You're powerless against it," he explains. "It's a much bigger force and presence than we are.

"You watch someone you love slowly being taken away. Everything they stood for is stripped away. You see them reverting back to childhood.

"You will do things as a carer for your loved one that maybe you should never have to do in their lives. Personal care.

"And that's the hard part. Not being able to do anything about it. That's what has always pushed me with the campaigning. That's what drives me."