Steve McFadden and Patsy Palmer lead Barbara Windsor tributes

Steve McFadden, Adam Woodyatt and Patsy Palmer have paid tribute to their late 'EastEnders' co-star and friend Dame Barbara Windsor following her death on Thursday (10.12.20) aged 83.

Barbara Windsor

Steve McFadden, Adam Woodyatt and Patsy Palmer have paid tribute to their late 'EastEnders' co-star and friend Dame Barbara Windsor.

The legendary actress - who was regularly dubbed the Queen of Soaps for her iconic role as Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap - passed away on Thursday (10.12.20) aged 83 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s, and a representative for Steve McFadden said he was "devastated" by her death.

Patsy, who played Bianca Jackson on the soap, is "extremely sad" following Barbara's passing.

She wrote on Instagram: "I’m extremely sad to hear that my friend “ Dame “ Babara Windsor has passed away . I’m sitting here thinking of the 100’s of memories we shared . Too many to comprehend. We were like family for a long time , ups downs , ins and outs but you will never meet a more professional actress than Babs . @scott.mitchell3 You were the best husband she could’ve wished for . You deserve the highest accolade. We shared such magical times together and I’ll cherish every one . I can hear that laugh now as I sit and think about her . I hope it’ll ring in my ears forever . She always looked out for me and so did you . Love you both very much . I’m gutted ! I could say so much but I’m so sad . RIP BABS (sic)"

Adam Woodyatt - who portrays Ian Beale on the show - admitted it was a "privilege and honour" to work alongside the acting legend on the programme.

He wrote on Instagram: "I grew up watching Babs in the Carry On films and for me to then work with her it was a privilege and honour. I have so many happy memories and moments that I will always cherish, even when Peggy floored Ian with a punch. My thoughts are with her amazing husband Scott, her family and friends. Rest in peace Barbara xxxx (sic)"

Danniella Westbrook, who played her daughter Sam Mitchell, has remembered Babs - as she was affectionately known - as a "humble and beautiful lady".  

She wrote: "Today we lost a legend a national treasure and a woman who I looked up to for most of my life.

"A generous, warm, funny humble and beautiful lady and someone who gave us all much joy watching her act.

 woman who I was lucky enough to work with for many years as my mum and a loyal friend. The brightest of all stars will now shine above us instead of among us."

Barbara played Peggy from 1994 to 2016, and the character - who was known for her iconic "get outta my pub" catchphrase - was tragically killed off in May 2016.

Several other stars from the entertainment world have paid tribute to the 'EastEnders' and 'Carry On' legend.

'Britain's Got Talent' judge David Walliams hailed Barbara as the "unofficial Queen of England".

He tweeted: "Goodbye Dame Babs. You were my first love as a child in the Carry On films & I will love you forever. Working with you, spending time with you & being your friend was one of the greatest thrills of my life. The unofficial Queen of England, an icon treasured by the nation. (sic)"

His 'Little Britain' co-star Matt Lucas expected the "whole country" to be devastated by the news.

He wrote: "You don't become a Dame by accident. Everyone knew Barbara Windsor and everyone loved her.

"She delighted us on stage and sparkled on screen in a long and illustrious career. She also worked tirelessly for charity, and continued to do so, even when her own health was failing her.

"Her devoted husband Scott has been utterly selfless and heroic in caring for her and I am devastated for him.

"I will miss her warmth, her generosity, her laughter and the kindness she showed me."

'For the Love of Dogs' presenter Paul O'Grady has been left "devastated" by the passing of his old friend.

He said: "I’ve known Bar for over 30 years and I’m devastated, but people who’ve never met her will be gutted too. We’ve all grown up with her, the whole country has, and everyone felt they knew her.

"To call her a national treasure just doesn’t cover it. She was as familiar as the Queen’s face or a black London cab and a huge star of stage, TV and film, a real legend.

"She was the ultimate pro who never took anything for granted, she worked so hard, always knew her lines and turned up on time.

"We all loved her and she was just as much fun off screen as on. I think one of her qualities which endeared her in the Carry On films was she was little and cheeky with an infectious laugh.

"She would come out with innuendos, then giggled with real innocence.

"I saw Bar and Scott in March and she was in good spirits, telling funny stories and roaring with laughter and reeking of her favourite Shalimar perfume. And that’s how I will remember her.

"My heart goes out to Scott. They were such a lovely couple, a real hoot, and he’s been utterly remarkable in the way he’s cared for her."

What's more, 'Torchwood' actor John Barrowman thinks Barbara will be "sorely missed" by all those in the showbiz world.

He said in a video shared to Twitter: "In the 30-odd years of my career I've had many, many occasions where I've been in company with Barbara - or, as everyone just called her, 'Babs' - and she will be sorely missed.

"She was a small woman but feisty and she had the biggest, biggest heart in the business. And she was a genuine, lovely, warm, caring person and she will be sorely missed by the film, television, radio and theatre worlds.

"We all knew that she wasn't in great health, but it's still a shock when it comes.

"Rest in peace, Dame Barbara Windsor. You will be sorely missed."