Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for "icon" Dame Barbara Windsor who died aged 83, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
Eastenders actress Daniella Westbrook who played Dame Barbara's onscreen daughter led the tributes and tweeted: "Today we lost a legend a national treasure and a woman who I looked up too for most off my life.
"A generous warm funny humble and beautiful lady & someone who gave us all much joy watching her act.
"A woman who I was lucky enough to work with for many years as my mum & a loyal friend.
"The brightest off all stars will now shine above us instead off among us. Sending my love to Scott at this sad time. My heart is heavy broken in two . Bar I love you. Rest In Peace my queen . Goodnight and God bless you."
A representative for actor Steve McFadden, who plays Dame Barbara's on-screen son Phil Mitchell, told PA he was "devastated" by her death, reports The Mirror.
Paul O’Grady paid an emotional tribute to Barbara Windsor.
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.
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“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.”
He said he last saw her earlier this year at her London home.
He said: “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.”
He added: “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. “
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The late actress' name begun trending on Twitter after early reports of her death.
She rose to fame after her appearances in the Carry On film and received a BAFTA Award nomination for Sparrows Can't Sing in 1983.
She joined the cast of EastEnders in 1994 and won the 1999 British Soap Award for Best Actress.
Dame Barbara, who was famous for playing the iconic Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, was diagnosed with dementia in 2014.
Jonathan Ross wrote: "Barbara Windsor in real life was everything you might have hoped for. So warm, so funny, so kind. Goodnight sweetheart x #BarbaraWindsor."
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Blue singer Duncan James described the actress as an "icon."
He tweeted: "So sad to hear about Barbara Windsor passing. She was truly a British icon and may she rest in peace."
Presenter and singer Aled Jones called her a "national treasure" who was "one of a kind."
Other celebs also posted their condolences online, Dame Floella Benjamin tweeted: "So sad to hear the news that #BarbaraWindsor has passed away. She brought much joy to the nation and was a true national treasure in every sense of the word. May she rest in peace. #RIPBabs"
Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules tweeted a black and white picture of Dame Barbara, writing alongside it: "Chorus Girl – Star, Dame Barbara Windsor, has taken her final bow… #RIP".
The phrase "Rest In Peace" was also trending on Twitter as fans have taken to social media to express their sorrow.
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Dame Barbara is survived by her husband Scott Mitchell.
He's spoken about the struggle the pair faced as a result of Barbara's devastating illness.
Mr Mitchell informed of her death with a statement.
He told PA: "Her passing was from Alzheimer's/dementia and Barbara eventually died peacefully and I spent the last seven days by her side.
"Myself, her family and friends will remember Barbara with love, a smile and affection for the many years of her love, fun, friendship and brightness she brought to all our lives and the entertainment she gave to so many thousands of others during her career.
"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.
"I will always be immensely proud of Barbara's courage, dignity and generosity dealing with her own illness and still trying to help others by raising awareness for as long as she could."
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