Barbara Windsor - Biography

In a nutshell

You'd never have thought it when she was appearing in the Carry On films, but 'our Babs' is now considered a bit of a national treasure, don't you think? Whether that means she should be locked away in a dusty archive is entirely up for discussion.

But to go from a bit of a busty joker to one of the best soap actresses of recent years is no simple task and something we should all take into account when we're thinking about this lovable east Londonder.

Windsor is definitely from the 'old school' of entertainers and made her stage debut aged 13, managing to break it onto the West End stage in 1952. She achieved a BAFTA nomination for Best British Film Actress in 1963 for her role in Sparrows Can't Sing.

Although all pretty impressive, her real breakthrough came when she got involved with the infamous Carry On films. Her first, Carry On Spying was quickly followed by - wait for it - Carry On Dick. But, as much as we hate to admit it, what really sticks out is in Carry On Camping when a giggly Windsor's bikini top flies off.... Shocking!

For the modern generation only one name is synonymous with Barbara Windsor, and that's Peggy Mitchell. Since taking on the feisty EastEnders role in 1994, Barbara has really made it her own, whilst becoming the mother figure of the cast and crew.

Another cause for public interest, aside from boobs popping out of bikinis, was Windsor's private life. She's been married 3 times - firstly to Ronnie Knight, then to Stephen Hollings and currently to Scott Mitchell, who's 25 years her junior.

You've got to admit, all good things usually do come to an end and we were [almost] in tears when Babs announced she'd be waving a final goodbye to Albert Square in 2010. She's had a brilliant run, though, and it's understandable that she'll want to take a rest. But who's going to throw people out of the Queen Vic now? If there's a job going we'll throw our hat into the ring...

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