Carry On legend Barbara Windsor is set to leave EastEnders in 2010 and her much-loved role as pub landlady Peggy Mitchell. Will we miss her?
Since first appeared in EastEnders in 1994 Peggy Mitchell since become one of the nation’s most loved television matriarchs ruling the Mitchells with an iron fist and a heart of gold.
She was awarded an MBE in 1999 and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards in May this year.
Barbara Windsor says of her departure: “EastEnders has been wonderful to me and it’s no secret that it changed my life all of those years ago. I’ll be so sad to leave Peggy behind; she’s such a wonderful character to play. I have had the pleasure of working with a marvellous cast and crew and have made many lasting good friends. To have had the honour of showing the Queen around the set is something that will stay with me forever.
“I would like to thank the BBC for the incredible opportunity they gave me and above all, I must thank the wonderful viewers for their support over the years. I’m looking forward to the future and I suppose when all’s said and done, I should spend a bit more time with my old man, as he’s not getting any younger.”
John Yorke, Controller BBC Drama Production & New Talent, says: “To most of the British public Barbara IS EastEnders, and it’s almost impossible to imagine Albert Square without her. For 15 years she’s given her heart and soul to EastEnders – she’s been a consummate professional, a national treasure and a joy to work alongside. We will all miss her hugely – both as a character, and as a friend.”
Diederick Santer, EastEnders Executive Producer, adds: “Barbara has contributed so much to EastEnders over the last 15 years, plus countless episodes, and countless amazing storylines. Peggy Mitchell is a truly iconic character, and along with Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp, Barbara has made the Mitchells the premier family of British soap.
“I so much enjoy working with her – catching up with the gossip, listening to her stories, talking about the show, benefiting from her advice, and most importantly revelling in her powerful, funny, passionate performances. All of us at EastEnders – and our audience – are going to miss her hugely.”
abi
Thank god she is leaving. I am sick of her voice. The whole soap is ridiculous, boring, unrealistic, loud, chavvy and common.
Suzanne
And about time too. Whoever thought this woman could act in the first place never ceases to amaze. Plus, she’s the reasons I stopped watching East Enders in the first
Anonymous
what a relief
Pippa
Really sorry to hear that Barbara Windsor is leaving East Enders.I’m an avid viewer and enjoy the story lines. The Queen Vic won’t be the same without her. I wish her well.
mike
What a relief its a pity the BBC does not take the whole dam show off and stop wasting licence payers money on loud mouthed has beens and complete twaddle. we have to endure this show every day of the week its c—
Pete
I am from the Eastend myself, Hoxton to be precise and the toffee-nosed comments from Abi and Suzanne annoy me. Unless you have lived or worked in the Eastend you have no idea how real it is.What do you want a new soap called “Chav Enders” starring a load of hoo-ray henrys. As far as the ‘Anon’ comment is concerned that person does not have the strength of their convictions, they hide behind a word. Well done Pippa for your comment.
Pete
Mike, you have the same choice as everyone else……….turn over or off.So saying you have to endure it is more C— than you think.
Pam
Thank you “God”
It will be true bliss not to see her in the prog any more.
Marge
I am sorry to see her go as she is the matriach. I just hope Janine doesn’t take over the Queen Vic as I might just stop watching!!!
cath
It’s sad to hear that babs is leaving. the show won’t be quite the same. As for abi and mike, you are entitled to your opnion like everyone else but just remember it is just a soap opera dont take it too seriously.
anna
pete i agree with you eastenders is a good program and barbra windsor is a big part of i carnt belive she is leavin. But the one good thing about when somone leaves is the exit, they allways have a exit which leaves you on the edge of your seat
Joan
I hope that the Producers write Barb out WITHOUT killing her off that would be a shame, perhaps the story line could take half the square with her there are quite a few I’d like to get rid of.Why not finnish the soap all together its such a bore.
CHARLIE
DOSE’NT ABI REALISE BARBARA WINDSOR IS A TRUE EASTENDER, THIS IS HOW THE REAL ONES TALK, IT IS SO TRUE TO LIFE, ABI WILL BE COMPLAING NEXT THAT ALL THE CAST OF “DALLAS” TALKED WITH A TEXAN ACCENT!! MISS. WINDSOR YOU WILL BE MISSED.
S. Horton
Havent watched Eastenders in years now, cant think of a more awful show. When I do see clips in other peoples houses, it just reminds me why I dont watch it, it’s nothing but arguments, & screaming & shouting at each other. And Barbara Windsor didnt do anything to improve it. The most depressing show on the tele, thank god mine & my friends lives are nothing like the lives on the show.
errm? mk
im sure Ms Barbara Windsor is a lovely person when she can remember to leave all that ‘lovey’ and pretention crap to one side. to be honest, shes been incredibly lucky to have had that job for that long and get such praise. the only time she showed any ability to actually act, was years ago, when she did some stage work. other than that, shes actually not a very good actress at all – be honest folks. its been a case of ‘not what you know but who you know’ and how to win people over with insincerity for years. nevertheless i do not wish bad on anyone – just being honest. i wish her luck if she wishes to continue to ‘ACT’ for REAL. RIP Eastenders – its time to stop that crappy show anyway. gosh, that should get some reaction from the dreaming unrealists out there, eh?
Marissa
It is so upsetting because peggy is so tough especially on Sam mitchell which is so cool…We are going to miss her
Liz
I will miss her character she was always well worth watching and gives the show something special just like herself
Pauline Hopkins
I expect at her age she is tried of working long hours.
I never watch Eastenders, i think it is the most boring and
awful soap there is.
Ken
should have stopped when the carry on team did,too loud,cant act, still she fits this depressing programme,thought Londoners were sharp chirpy bunch not manic depressives,who writes this tripe!