Barbara Windsor's on-screen son Steve McFadden 'devastated' by death as he leads tributes

Barbara’s husband Scott Mitchell, 57, confirmed the news of her death yesterday in a statement to PA news agency.

He said: “It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that my darling wife Barbara passed away at 8.35pm on Thursday 10 December at a London care home.

“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.”

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