Martin Kemp has described the late Dame Barbara Windsor as “one of life’s good people”.
Martin Kemp
The former 'EastEnders' star - who played Steve Owen in the BBC soap opposite the Peggy Mitchell actress - has heaped praise on Barbara after her sad death this week aged 83 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
Speaking with his son on 'Capital Breakfast with Roman Kemp' on Friday (11.12.20), he said: "Yeah, I mean, I worked with her for a good couple of years in 'EastEnders' and she was behind the bar and I used to sit there for hours talking to her.
"And I tell you why, because before I did 'EastEnders' I had shot 'The Krays'… and she used to be close to some of those, and to Reggie Kray, and she was absolutely – I can’t tell you – one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met.
"She was one of life’s good people, and I find it really sad this morning. My heart goes out to Scott, who’s lost her, and just… I can’t tell you how nice she was Ro, she was just beautiful."
Roman then played a clip of the pair sharing a season, and asked his dad he'd always wanted to hear the iconic 'Get out of my pub' line from Peggy Mitchell.
The Spandau Ballet star added: "Course I wanted that, that’s what you go into EastEnders for! ‘Get out my pub!’ "
A number of stars from Albert Square have praised the soap veteran following her death, and 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 memorable "get outta my pub" catchphrase - was tragically killed off in May 2016.
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