Dame Barbara Windsor ‘struggles to remember her friends’ names’ as her battle with Alzheimer’s continues says her EastEnders co-star Kellie Shirley
Dame Barbara Windsor now struggles to remember her friends’ names as her battle with Alzheimer’s continues, a friend of the actress has said.
The actress, 81, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014 but she and husband Scott Mitchell only decided to reveal the diagnosis to the public five months ago.
Her Eastenders co-star Kellie Shirley has now confessed to the Sunday Express that her old friend can no longer remember her name.
Devastating: Barbara, 81, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014 but her and husband Scott Mitchell only decided to reveal the diagnosis to the public five months ago
She said: ‘A massive part of being an actor is remembering things. Your memories are such a big part of who you are. That’s why I feel for Barbara. She remembers so much about the past as clear as day yet she won’t remember my name.
‘We still have funny moments. It’s not bleak all the time, but it is hardcore. It’s a cruel disease that robs you of your memories.
‘Any time I’m in town for an audition I’ll meet up with Barbara and Scott for a cup of tea. I’ve always done that. I’m training with Scott so we meet up on a Friday, run together and catch up. I find running so boring so chatting makes the time go faster.’
Heartbreak: Her Eastenders co-star Kellie Shirley has now revealed that her old friend can no longer remember her name
The actress, 37, admitted she finds the ‘resilience’ of her old mentor ‘inspiring’ in the face of her battle with dementia.
A representative for Barbara has been contacted for comment.
Kellie, Scott and a handful of the Eastenders legend’s old co-stars will be taking part in the London Marathon this year to raise £100,000 for Alzheimer’s research.
Her husband of 19 years revealed in January that the beloved Queen Vic landlady was now in need of ‘daily care’.
Revolution: Kellie, Scott and a handful of the Eastenders legend’s old co-stars will be taking part in the London Marathon this year to raise £100,000 for Alzheimer’s research
Scott, 55, told the Sun the Carry On star cannot be left alone and requires assistance from carers.
It was reported that the acting legend believes she is in Stoke Newington, where she was raised, rather than at home with Scott and that it can make her very emotional.
‘I used to feel very guilty about leaving her, so I could be stuck in the house for two or three days. When I did first have carers in I still felt a sense of guilt,’ Scott said.
Daily care: Scott, 55, recently revealed the Carry On star cannot be left alone and requires assistance from carers
‘But I also realised it is so important for me to have that little bit of rest from the situation — otherwise you can’t keep strong. You need to keep strong for the other person.’
He also revealed that watching television helps Barbara, as does listening to a radio station designed for those suffering with dementia.
‘They make it very easy and you can do playlists — there’s a whole thing of Barbara’s career and her songs on that. She really loves that, she connects with it,’ he added.
The recruitment consultant said his wife often apologises to him for having Alzheimer’s.
Apologies: The recruitment consultant said his wife often apologises to him for having Alzheimer’s in the first place
Barbara apologised to her husband every night with the haunting words: ‘I’m sorry about this.’
Scott told the Mirror: ‘She thanks me for looking after her. I say to her, “You don’t have to thank me”. Barbara can’t be left alone any more. That’s the reality of it. She has to have constant care.
‘She can’t look after herself but then we still sit and have dinner and watch TV and have normal conversations.’
Support: Tanya Franks, Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick with Kellie Shirley, Scott Mitchell and Jane Slaughter, who will be taking part in the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon