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Ross Kemp visits Dame Barbara Windsor after Alzheimer’s diagnosis revealed

They played son and mum on EastEnders

EastEnders’ Ross Kemp has thrilled fans by sharing a beautiful photo of himself with soap mum Dame Barbara Windsor.

The actor, known as Walford’s Grant Mitchell, posted a picture to Twitter on Monday showing himself enjoying a catch-up with Barbara, who famously played Grant’s mum Peggy Mitchell.

Ross, 53, captioned the snap: “Visiting my lovely Bar… whoops, I mean Dame Barbara Windsor x.”

Ross Kemp and Dame Barbara Windsor
Ross shared this image of himself and Barbara on Monday (Credit: Twitter @rosskemp)

Ross is seen leaning in towards Barbara, 80, who has her arm around his neck and is smiling at the camera.

Read more: Danniella Westbrook sends message to Dame Barbara Windsor

Fans loved the sweet moment and took to Twitter in droves to say they were pleased to see Barbara looking so well after it was revealed in May she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

One fan wrote: “She’s still got that cheeky sparkle in her eyes, Ross, bless her xx.”

Peggy with Phil and Grant in EastEnders
Dame Barbara with on-screen sons Ross and Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell (Credit: BBC)

Another said: “A great photo of you both send her my wishes & a big hug as a thank you for her acting work she’s a great lady.”

A third added: “Give her a hug for me Ross? Love her to bits and she looks really well.”

And many more followed suit, all complimenting the lovely image and sending their best to Barbara.

Barbara’s husband Scott Mitchell made her Alzheimer’s diagnosis public in May, saying the actress had initially been diagnosed in 2014.

He told The Sun at the time: “Since her 80th birthday last August, a definite continual confusion has set in, so it’s becoming a lot more difficult for us to hide.

“I’m doing this because I want us to be able to go out and, if something isn’t quite right, it will be OK because people will now know that she has Alzheimer’s and will accept it for what it is.”

Barbara Windsor with husband Scott Mitchell (Credit: PA)
Barbara with husband Scott (Credit: PA)

Among those who issued statements afterwards was Ross, who said: “Very proud of Scott and Barbara for speaking openly about Barbara’s diagnosis.

“I hope by talking openly it will make it easier for others to talk about this dreadful disease.

“I love both Barbara and Scott very much.”

Dame Barbara Windsor's husband has revealed the actress is struggling to remember they are married due to Alzheimer’s (Jonathan Brady/PA)
Dame Barbara’s husband has revealed the actress is struggling to remember they are married due to Alzheimer’s (Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA)

Many more of Barbara’s celebrity friends have spoken out including Paul O’Grady.

He told the Mirror: “We’re all here for her, but she’s still Barbara Windsor.

“I don’t want people to think she’s completely lost her mind, because it’s not true. It’s not the early stages but she’s still very much the Barbara Windsor I know. She’s a toughie and Scott is her rock.”

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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