Barbara Windsor, 81, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in April 2014 but the star’s husband Scott Mitchell, 56, confirmed the news last year. In a recent interview, Scott opened up about the struggles Barbara has faced since her diagnosis. Speaking to press including Express.co.uk he said: “It’s really been overwhelming. “[At the time] Barbara wasn’t really talking about it or accepting it which is a common thing for people living with Alzheimers.”
Scott revealed the disease can have an isolating impact but admitted their circle of friends have been “incredible.”
He continued: “Friends have been just incredible. Lots of people visit the house, they come round. She feels she’s not forgotten.
“She does spend a lot of time at home. You can feel quite alone, I guess.”
Scott will be taking part in the London Marathon alongside Dame Barbara’s former EastEnders’ co-star’s.
EastEnders stars including Jake Wood, Adam Woodyatt and Natalie Cassidy are among those taking part in the London Marathon to raise money for the Dementia Revolution.
They are hoping to raise £100,000 to help fund ground-breaking research into dementia, as well as boosting awareness of the condition.
The group will run in a team called Barbara’s Revolutionaries which is a a year-long campaign formed by dementia charities Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Scott revealed his wife Barbara, has enjoyed being a part of the campaign.
He said: “She realises she doesn’t work anymore. She loves doing things.
“That’s why she enjoys doing things like the video for the Dementia Revolution which she did.
“She enjoyed that because it was a bit of her old life. We get the make-up artist in, we get the cameras out and she gets involved.
“She even starts changing the key words around. ‘Ooh it will be better if I say this’.”
EastEnders star Jake Wood who plays Max Branning on the show revealed everyone on the set is supporting Barbara through the campaign.
He told the press and Express.co.uk: “I’m sure all my co-stars will be incredibly supportive. Barbara is greatly loved.
“Not only at Eastenders but nationwide. Obviously she is a legend of the show.
“We all love Barbara, we all love Scott and everyone is fully behind us.”