Barbara Windsor on Eastenders tensions: ‘I fell out with Jessie Wallace’

Barbara Windsor has opened up about her time on Eastenders as Peggy Mitchell

barbara-windsor

by Jessica Anais Rach |
Published on

Speaking to Yours the actress admitted she is old school when it comes to her skill in the entertainment industry.

"I’m quite a traditionalist, I’m a stickler for time-keeping, punctuality and l like things to be right. It’s the way I’ve been all my life. It’s also so important to be polite and well-mannered. Times may have changed but these things are as important as they’ve always been."

And the 77-year-old, who has been married to 51-year-old Scott Mitchell for 15 years, reveals her values have paid off.

"I was paid the biggest compliment the other day when I received a phonecall from one of the EastEnders actors and he said doing a scene with Bonnie Langford, who recently joined the cast, was just like doing a scene with me. Bonnie arrives on time, knows her lines and is polite and professional. I felt so honoured because Bonnie’s so good. My actor friend said, ‘We need more people like Barbara Windsor.’ How lovely is that?”

Speaking about her time on Eastenders, Barbara admitted:

“It’s common knowledge I fell out with Jessie Wallace (who plays Kat Moon) because she was late sometimes.

“But everybody was late or talking on their mobiles. I don’t like that, but it’s a generational thing. It’s difficult. If they are not taught it, then it’s not there.

"A lot of the young stars have not had to work their way up. June Brown, who plays Dot Cotton, says I should provide a masterclass for those starting out.”

And Barbara still keeps her eye on the show.

“They call me and ask me every so often, which is lovely. I love the show with a passion and constantly keep an eye on it. It’s wonderful that it’s doing so well again. They’ve taken risks and it’s paid off," she revealed.

"To take an actor like Danny Dyer, for instance – a good actor but one with a bit of a reputation... To take him and put him in a place where, as Mick Carter, he has to push himself. He’s created this wonderful character, who reminds me of my uncle Charlie.

"Mick’s just so nice and has a real Fifties feel about him. While I don’t sit in my front room watching the show and thinking, ‘Oh I wish I was in this’, l’ll always love it with all my heart.”

Come back Peggy!

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