The memory of the beloved Barbara Windsor, who illuminated television screens as an EastEnders icon and a Carry On series favourite, remains undimmed more than four years after her death. But her devastated widower, Scott Mitchell, who cared for his late wife, has opened up about his enduring sleep issues, claiming he still wakes up at night in a panic to this day. “I’ve never recovered from my sleep from when I was caring for Barbara,” he recounts. Even after her passing, he wakes up at night expecting to tend to her needs.

Speaking ahead of Dementia Action Week, Scott revealed in an exclusive chat with The Mirror: “I was so aware of when she used to get up in the night because she used to have falls in the night. So I never really used to sleep. I used to constantly be alert. My awareness was so acute that my sleeping pattern got completely out of sync and it never really recovered.” The nation collectively mourned when the star succumbed to Alzheimer’s at 83 in December 2020.

Her legacy is kept alive by her devoted husband Scott, who tirelessly advocates for advancements in dementia research, care, and treatment in Barbara’s honour.

“She’d be incredibly proud now to know that her name is still helping people,” shared the 62-year-old from their cherished London home.

Scott, who has since found new love with ex-EastEnders actress Tanya Franks, spearheads the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals backed by the government and expressed his pride for the notable imprint Barbara has made.

“I’m very proud of the lady she was and the mark that she’s left,” he beams. “I always joke and say, ‘She won’t only be remembered for a bra flying off in Carry On Camping or telling people to get out of her pub’.

There’s a new legacy for Barbara Windsor. And that is the world of dementia, helping people, and that’s very important.”

The beloved actress behind Queen Vic’s formidable landlady Peggy Mitchell was struck by Alzheimer’s in 2014, leading to an agonising six-year decline.

“You’re powerless against it,” said Scott, adding: “It’s a much bigger force and presence than we are. You watch someone you love slowly being taken away. Everything they stood for is stripped away. You see them reverting back to childhood.”

The couple’s marriage lasted two decades, standing strong despite raised eyebrows over their 26-year age difference.

“It would be impossible for me not to miss her, however, I also look at the fact that Barbara led an incredible life.

“Before she had dementia, she would say to me, ‘When I die, be broken hearted, please. I want you to cry your eyes out. But then you promise me that you have the best life ever. Because that’s what I did’,” he shared.

Scott reveals that Barbara had expressed her wish for him to rediscover happiness and, indeed, two years past her passing, he found love with Tanya Franks, Dame Barbara’s former EastEnders co-star. “I’m incredibly happy,” he admits.

“I don’t compare the two ladies. They’re very different and I have love for both of them. I wouldn’t be with anyone who wasn’t truly lovely.”