History of Barbara Windsor in Timeline

Dame Barbara Windsor (1937-2020) was a celebrated English actress, most famously known for her roles in the iconic Carry On film series, where her bubbly personality and comedic timing shone. She achieved widespread recognition for portraying Peggy Mitchell, the tough-talking landlady of the Queen Victoria pub, in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Joining the cast in 1994, she became a central figure in the show for over two decades, earning the British Soap Award for Best Actress in 1999. Windsor's portrayal of Peggy Mitchell made her a British cultural icon. She left EastEnders in 2016 when her character was killed off.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1998: Premiere of "Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick"

In 1998, Samantha Spiro played Barbara Windsor in Terry Johnson's play "Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick", which premiered at the National Theatre.

2000: MBE and BBC Hall of Fame Induction

In 2000, Barbara Windsor was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours and became the first person inducted into the newly created BBC Hall of Fame.

2000: Cameo Appearance in "Cor, Blimey!"

In 2000, Samantha Spiro reprised her role as Barbara Windsor in the TV film adaptation, "Cor, Blimey!", which also featured a cameo appearance from Windsor herself.

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2001: Rachel Clarke Takes Over Role

In 2001, Rachel Clarke took over the role of Barbara Windsor in the touring production of the play "Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick".

2006: Rachel Clarke Plays Windsor in "Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa!"

In 2006, Rachel Clarke played Barbara Windsor in the BBC television film "Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa!".

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August 2010: Freedom of the City of London

In August 2010, Barbara Windsor was given the Freedom of the City of London.

November 2010: Honoured by the City of Westminster

In November 2010, Barbara Windsor was honoured by the City of Westminster with a tree-planting and plaque ceremony.

April 2014: Alzheimer's Diagnosis

In April 2014, Barbara Windsor was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a condition she initially chose to keep private.

November 2014: Honorary Doctorate from the University of East London

In November 2014, Barbara Windsor was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of East London.

2016: Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire

In 2016, Barbara Windsor was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the New Year Honours for services to charity and entertainment.

May 2017: Hackney Empire Walk of Fame Induction

On May 25, 2017, Barbara Windsor was inducted into the Hackney Empire Walk of Fame.

2017: Spiro Reprises Role in "Babs"

In 2017, Samantha Spiro reprised her role as Barbara Windsor in the TV biopic "Babs", with Jaime Winstone and Honor Kneafsey playing younger versions of Windsor.

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2017: Broadcast of Biopic "Babs"

In 2017, the biopic "Babs", which documented Barbara Windsor's life, was broadcast.

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May 2018: Husband Reveals Alzheimer's Diagnosis

In May 2018, Barbara Windsor's husband, Scott Mitchell, publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

January 2019: London Marathon Announcement

In January 2019, Scott Mitchell and former EastEnders co-stars announced their participation in the London Marathon to support a dementia campaign, highlighting Barbara Windsor's deteriorating health.

August 2019: Alzheimer's Society Ambassador

In August 2019, on her 82nd birthday, Barbara Windsor and her husband Scott Mitchell became ambassadors for the Alzheimer's Society, launching a video campaign urging unity against dementia and calling for government action.

August 2020: Moved into a Care Home

In August 2020, it was reported by BBC News that Barbara Windsor had been moved into a care home in London.

December 2020: Death at Age 83

In December 2020, Barbara Windsor died at the age of 83 at Anita Dorfman House, a Jewish Care home in Stanmore, north London.

December 2020: EastEnders Episode Dedicated to Windsor

In December 2020, the next episode of EastEnders was dedicated to the memory of Barbara Windsor, following her death.

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January 2021: Funeral Service

In January 2021, Barbara Windsor's funeral took place, with her body being cremated at Golders Green Crematorium, attended by various celebrities. Floral decorations on her coffin included "The Dame", "Saucy", and "The Queen Peggy".