Windsor, most famous for her role as Peggy Mitchell, passed away age 83

Barbara Windsor, much-loved 'EastEnders' icon and star of the 'Carry On' films, passed away yesterday evening, age 83.

Windsor's husband Scott Mitchell told PA in a statement: "It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that my darling wife Barbara passed away at 8.35pm on Thursday 10 December at a London care home. Her passing was from Alzheimer’s/Dementia and Barbara eventually died peacefully and I spent the last seven days by her side.

"Myself, her family and friends will remember Barbara with love, a smile and affection for the many years of her love, fun, friendship and brightness she brought to all our lives and the entertainment she gave to so many thousands of others during her career.

Barbara Windsor attends a memorial service for comedian Ronnie Corbett at Westminster Abbey on June 7, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)

"Barbara’s final weeks were typical of how she lived her life. Full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end.

"It was not the ending that Barbara or anyone else living with this very cruel disease deserve. I will always be immensely proud of Barbara’s courage, dignity and generosity dealing with her own illness and still trying to help others by raising awareness for as long as she could."

Windsor was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014 and made the news public in 2018. PA Media broke the news shortly after midnight.

Mr. Mitchell's statement continues: "Dementia/Alzheimer’s remains the UK's number one killer. Although in challenging times, I urge the Prime Minister, his government and other parties to be true to their previous promises and invest more into dementia/Alzheimer’s research and care.

"Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and carers who are angels at the care home for your kindness and care to Barbara and I throughout her stay with you. You are my heroes.

Barbara Windsor during Royal Mail 1st Class People Awards 2005 at Pheonix Center in London, Great Britain. (Photo by J. Quinton/WireImage)

"And my gratitude to our family, friends and everyone in the media and the general public for all the good wishes and warm support that has been shown to Barbara over the last few years during her illness. Barbara deeply appreciated that.

"May you rest in peace now my precious Bar. I’ve lost my wife, my best friend and soul mate and my heart or life will never feel the same without you.

"I will be making no further statements and now need the time to grieve this painful, personal loss."

Windsor made her Albert Square debut in 1994 and played Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell on and off until 2016. She rose to fame in the 'Carry On' films, first appearing in 'Carry On Spying' in 1964.