Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell finds love three years after her death

Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell has found love with EastEnders actress Tanya Franks three years after her death.

EastEnders’ Peggy Mitchell and carry-on icon Dame Barbara died in December 2020 at the age of 83 after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Scott, 60, and Tanya, 55, who played Raine Cross on the soap, made their relationship official earlier this month during a holiday in Greece.

The recruiter said: “Life feels really good right now and we’re enjoying a special time together.”

Scott and Tanya are early in their relationship and have developed a close friendship over the years while working with Bab’s Army to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s.

‘Really happy’: Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell has found love with EastEnders actress Tanya Franks three years after her death

Hugely loved: EastEnders’ Peggy Mitchell and Carry On icon Dame Barbara died in December 2020 at the age of 83 after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease [pictured 2011]

Soap star: Tanya has appeared in 382 episodes of EastEnders. She made her debut as Raine in 2007 and signed to a full-time contract in 2018. She left the show in 2022

In 2019, Scott ran the London Marathon with Tanya, raising thousands of people for Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of Barbara.

Alzheimer’s disease was close to Tanya’s heart as she was also running in honor of her stepfather, Derek.

Scott and Tanya ran the London Marathon again this year alongside other EastEnders stars as part of Bab’s Army.

A source told The Sun Scott is “really happy”. They said, “Scott has found love again for Tanya and is really happy.” His friends and Barbara’s are delighted that he has found someone to share his life with.

“It’s still early days but Scott is cautious about the future now.” While on vacation in Greece, they made the decision to update their wider circles and everyone was over the moon.

“There’s so much friendship and respect between the two of them, and they’re taking things slowly.”

Tanya has appeared in 382 episodes of EastEnders. She debuted as Raine in 2007 and signed to a full-time contract in 2018.

Her last appearance on the soap was in June last year.

Aside from EastEnders, she has a slew of TV appearances including Family Affairs, The Bill, Pulling and Broadchurch.

Happiness: In 2019, Scott ran the London marathon alongside Tanya, gathering thousands of people. Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of Barbara

Get out of my pub! Barbara played Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders [pictured with her boys Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Phil (Steve McFadden) in 2016]

Ex-partner: Tanya was married to fellow actor James Barriscale. He played Jonathan Malnet, Jade Green’s adoptive father on the soap (pictured in 2015).

Tanya was married to fellow actor James Barriscale. He played Jonathan Malnet, Jade Green’s adoptive father on the soap.

James also starred in The Bill. It is not known when the couple split up.

Barbara and Scott married in 2000 and their romance was controversial at the time due to their 27-year age difference.

Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014 and kept her battle with the disease a secret for four years.

After her death, Scott said, “She passed away from Alzheimer’s/Dementia and Barbara ended up dying peacefully and I spent the last seven days by her side.”

“Myself, her family and friends will remember Barbara with love, smiles and affection for the many years of love, fun, friendship and brightness she brought to all of our lives and for the entertainment, that she has given to so many thousands of others throughout her career.” .

“Barbara’s last few weeks were typical of her life.” “Full of humor, drama and fighting spirit to the end.”

After her death, Scott said he believed he would never be able to love again.

Last year, he heartbreakingly said, “I was lucky enough to have met Barbara.”

“It shouldn’t have worked on paper but it worked for us and I’m so grateful that she chose me to share her life with because I don’t think I’ll ever find anyone else.” ”