The funeral of Dame Barbara Windsor has taken place in London today (January 8).
Barbara – much loved from her days as EastEnders icon Peggy Mitchell – was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium this afternoon.
The service was a private affair with reduced numbers due to coronavirus.
Who attended the funeral of Dame Barbara Windsor?
Only 30 people were allowed to attend the service due to the current COVID-19 restrictions.
Her former BBC co-stars and good friends David Walliams and Matt Lucas were among those in attendance.
Loose Women’s Jane Moore also attended.
Pictures of the funeral cars showed a flower-covered coffin and a wreath spelling out the word “saucy”.
Another spelled out the word “Dame”.
Famous friends deliver eulogy
Her on-screen son Ross Kemp, who played EastEnders character Grant Mitchell, was among the mourners.
He delivered a eulogy at the ceremony.
Dean Gaffney also attended.
Read more: Dame Barbara Windsor’s death results in spike in charity donations
Babs’ panto pal Christopher Biggins also attended and previously revealed he was due to speak during the service.
It will be very, very sad. I wish there was a way that we could record it so people can watch it online.
He told Steph’s Packed Lunch recently that Anna Karen – who played EastEnders’ Aunt Sal – would speak about Barbara’s early life.
Christopher would speak about the middle part of the icon’s life, while Ross spoke about her soap days.
Biggins added: “It will be very, very sad. I wish there was a way that we could record it so people can watch it online.”
Support for Scott
Of course, all of Barbara’s friends were also on hand to support her devoted husband Scott Mitchell.
He nursed the star following her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s and was by her side in her care home during the last week of her life.
Read more: Plans to include Barbara Windsor as a hologram in new Carry On films slammed
Announcing her death in December last year, he said Barbara “died peacefully” with her husband “by her side”.
He added: “Barbara’s final weeks were typical of how she lived her life. Full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end.
“It was not the ending that Barbara or anyone else living with this very cruel disease deserve.”
Friends urged to donate in Barbara’s memory
Those unable to attend the funeral today were asked to remember Barbara in another way.
Scott called upon friends and fans of the star to donate to Alzheimer’s Research UK in her memory.
He set up an online condolences book after her death, which has so far raised almost £150,000.
If you would like to donate and pay tribute to Barbara, you can do so here.
Ahead of the funeral, the charity paid tribute to both Barbara and Scott.
Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We can’t thank Scott enough for his continued support of Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of Dame Barbara.
“Dementia research can and will change lives and the money donated by Dame Barbara’s friends, fans and family is bringing that day closer.
“Her legacy will live on through the research these donations will fund and that’s such a special gift to the millions of people impacted by dementia worldwide.
“Everyone at Alzheimer’s Research UK will have Scott and all those who knew Dame Barbara in our thoughts this Friday.”
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