Dame Barbara Windsor sends Christmas cheer to fans in heartwarming video

EastEnders legend Dame Barbara Windsor may have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2014, but she's not letting it stop her. The 82-year-old, who is best known for her role as Peggy Mitchell on the soap as well as starring in the Carry On film series, appeared on Good Morning Britain earlier this morning (12th Dec).

Sitting alongside her husband Scott, who has been caring for her since her diagnosis, Barbara addressed the viewers with a heartfelt, pre-recorded Christmas message.

She said, "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the viewers and everyone at Good Morning Britain from us and everyone at Alzheimer's Society," as Scott added, "Merry Christmas."

Scott also gave an update on Barbara's condition, telling the presenters that she’s still got that "lovely sense of fun within her," adding, "She still loves to sit there and giggle. I make her laugh, she makes me laugh."

He went on to discuss how they had "some really consistent friends and family," who have been strong sources of support for them, but added he understands that "people have busy lives and sometimes feel a bit awkward."

Speaking about how her symptoms present themselves, he said, "It hits her at different times. During the confusion, obviously we get the repetitive questions, really not knowing where the house is now. Most of the time she knows me, she can just look at me straight in the eye and say, ‘Do you know where my husband Scott is?’

"They’re really tough things. It doesn’t matter how used to it you get in a way. Each time it happens it’s like a body blow. Then she realises it and then she’s a bit upset with herself that it’s happened. So there is that sense of isolation for the person as well, they also sense that life is going on and they’re not a part of it like they used to be."

GMB viewers praised Scott for speaking so openly about the situation, and took to Twitter to share messages of support. One wrote, 'Scott always comes across so well. Loved his open hearted talk about being a carer.'

If you've been affected by Barbara and Scott's story and would like more information, please contact the Alzheimer's Society on 0300 222 11 22.

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• Barbara Windsor