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EastEnders' Ross Kemp posts sweet new photo with on-screen mum Barbara Windsor

Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last month

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 19th Jun 2018
Last updated 19th Jun 2018

After EastEnders legend Dame Barbara Windsor revealed her Alzheimer's diagnosis to the world last month, many celebrities have come out in support of her and praised her bravery. The 80-year-old, whose husband Scott Mitchell made the announcement, was diagnosed with the degenerative disease in 2014.

But Barbara, who admitted that this had inspired her decision to request the death of her character Peggy Mitchell, has stayed positive, and has been spotted smiling in photos with her close friends.

The most recent photo has come from her on-screen son, Ross Kemp, who has been to visit Barbara and shared a touching photo of the two together.

Fellow soap stars have replied to the tweet with supportive messages of their own, including Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell on EastEnders, and Emmerdale's Kelvin Fletcher.

Ross has been in touch with Barbara since the revelatory interview, revealing to MailOnline that they had spoken over the phone. He said, "I think it was a brave decision to reveal her Alzheimer's diagnosis. It gets people talking and raises awareness so that's a good thing."

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David Walliams also recently shared on social media that he has been to visit Barbara, writing a touching caption which read, 'Afternoon tea with the woman of my dreams ever since I was a boy, the unbreakable Dame Barbara Windsor.'

Barbara recently spoke out in public for the first time since her husband's interview, which was conducted by journalist and Loose Women panellist Jane Moore. Recording a message for Jane, who has been close friends with Barbara for many years, Barbara wished her a happy birthday.

The touching message, which was pre-recorded, played out on the show for Jane's 56th birthday last month. Barbara said, "Hi Jane, and all the Loose Women, it's Barbara Windsor here. I just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday darling Jane. And thank you, thank you so much for being a loyal and good friend. And helping Scott share my recent news.

"And I'd also like to say a big thank you to everyone for the messages of support I've been receiving. It really means a lot to me, it really does. Have a great day and have no fear - I still intend to carry on. And God bless everyone."