With her irresistible chuckling laugh and signature crop of bright blonde hair, Dame Barbara Windsor was as much as a part of the nation’s landscape as Big Ben and tea and biscuits.
One of Britain’s favourite entertainment stars, cockney heroine Dame Barbara first become famous for her appearances as a buxom blonde in the Carry On films.
Successfully crossing the generational divide, she later became just as revered for her role as Peggy Mitchell, the Queen Vic’s battle-axe landlady in EastEnders who was known for yelling at rogue drinkers to “get outta my pub!”.
Sid James and Barbara Windsor in 1963 (EMPICS UK/PA)