Barbara Windsor - Peggy Mitchell

[tammyy2j]

great news

[Chris_2k11]

lmao cannot wait for alans reply haha

[Abigail]

Bit more from DS

EastEnders icon Barbara Windsor is to leave the BBC soap next year, it has been announced.

The 72-year-old, who play Walford's iconic landlady Peggy Mitchell since 1994, is to leave the show after 15 years in the role.

Details as to her exit storyline have yet to emerge and producers are keeping tight-lipped over the plot.

Speaking of her decision, she said:"EastEnders has been wonderful to me and it's no secret that it changed my life all of those years ago. I'll be so sad to leave Peggy behind; she's such a wonderful character to play. I have had the pleasure of working with a marvellous cast and crew and have made many lasting good friends. To have had the honour of showing the Queen around the set is something that will stay with me forever."

She continued: "I would like to thank the BBC for the incredible opportunity they gave me and above all, I must thank the wonderful viewers for their support over the years. I'm looking forward to the future and I suppose when all's said and done, I should spend a bit more time with my old man as he's not getting any younger."

Executive producer Diederick Santer said of the announcement: "Barbara has contributed so much to EastEnders over the last 15 years, plus countless episodes, and countless amazing storylines. Peggy Mitchell is a truly iconic character, and along with Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp, Barbara has made the Mitchells the premier family of British soap.

"I so much enjoy working with her - catching up with the gossip, listening to her stories, talking about the show, benefiting from her advice, and most importantly revelling in her powerful, funny, passionate performances. All of us at EastEnders - and our audience - are going to miss her hugely."

BBC's controller of drama John Yorke added: "To most of the British public, Barbara IS EastEnders and it's almost impossible to imagine Albert Square without her. For 15 years she's given her heart and soul to EastEnders - she's been a consummate professional, a national treasure and a joy to work alongside. We will all miss her hugely - both as a character, and as a friend."

At Christmas, Windsor's on screen husband Larry Lamb (Archie Mitchell) makes his screen exit from the soap in a dramatic festive plot.

Earlier this year, Windsor was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement trophy at the British Soap Awards.

[Perdita]

I guess she loses the Vic in the Christmas storyline and goes to live with Aunt Sally to cry herself to sleep every night

[Curly19]

i wonder what's going to happen to Phil Ronnie Roxy and Amy

[alan45]

Just read this on Sky News on my iPhone whilst out working. Already the arselikhan brigade are out fawning over this apology for an actress calling her all sorts of daft names like 'Legendary British Actress' and 'Matriarch of British Soaps'. Who TF are they kidding. She is a one trick pony who is only famous for playing a dumb blonde who flashed her boobs in a series of low budget films, married an on the run gangster and allegedly gave him a false alibi. to call the Mitchells the most famous and important soap family is hilarious beyon belief.

GOOD RIDDANCE TO THE OLD CRONE aka THE POISON DWARF

[Perdita]

I knew you would be disappointed

[Perdita]

Barbara Windsor will not retire from showbiz following her departure from EastEnders, it has been confirmed.

Earlier today, the 72-year-old actress announced that she is to leave her role as Walford's Peggy Mitchell next year.

Windsor's agent Barry Burnett has now told BBC News that the star does not intend to avoid the spotlight once she films her final scenes for the programme.

He commented: "Oh no, absolutely not, can you imagine that? Anyone who knows Barbara knows what she's like."

The soap legend has said that she is quitting because she wants to spend more time with her husband.

Windsor made her EastEnders debut in 1994. She had previously been best known for appearing in the Carry On films.


http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2...g-showbiz.html

[sindydoll]

saw it on ds! shame i liked her

[alan45]

Windsor's agent Barry Burnett has now told BBC News that the star does not intend to avoid the spotlight once she films her final scenes for the programme.

We all know that the poison Dwarf loves the limelight. No doubt she will appear on all of the awards shows picking up more pointless awards for Deadenders.