Boris Johnson, Elton John, Jedward and more pay tribute to actress Barbara Windsor, who has died aged 83

Tributes are pouring in for actress Barbara Windsor, following news of her death yesterday evening.

The actress, who was 83, died from Alzheimer's in a London care home. She'll be remembered for her role as Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, as well as her appearances in the Carry On films.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is among those who have paid tribute to Windsor, describing her as "so much more than a great pub landlady & Carry On star."

"She campaigned for the lonely and the vulnerable – and cheered the world up with her own British brand of harmless sauciness & innocent scandal," he added.

So sad about Barbara Windsor, so much more than a great pub landlady & Carry On star. She campaigned for the lonely and the vulnerable - and cheered the world up with her own British brand of harmless sauciness & innocent scandal. Thoughts with Scott and all her family & friends.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 11, 2020

The EastEnders Twitter account revealed that BBC One "will dedicate tonight's schedule to her. Babs will be shown at 7.35pm followed by EastEnders at 9.05pm."

We are all deeply saddened that we’ve lost our Dame. Barbara created an icon in Peggy Mitchell, our formidable Landlady. To all of us at EastEnders, she was our dearest friend, truly loved and adored by everyone. Our thoughts go out to Scott and Barbara’s family. pic.twitter.com/tXgyJTci6V

— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) December 11, 2020

In loving memory of Dame Barbara Windsor, MBE, @BBCOne will dedicate tonight’s schedule to her. Babs will be shown at 7.35 pm followed by #EastEnders at 9.05 pm. pic.twitter.com/fTfgZaXLCw

— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) December 11, 2020

Elton John described her as "the biggest ray of light" – noting that "heaven has the sweetest and funniest angel".

The world has lost the biggest ray of light. And heaven has the sweetest and funniest angel. #RIP #BarbaraWindsor pic.twitter.com/M67b5Qf1wN

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 11, 2020

See more tributes to Windsor below:

RIP you iconic legend Barbara Windsor ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Yzm16Z2fcb

— JEDWARD (@planetjedward) December 11, 2020

‘This is the moment I fell in love for the very first time. I was watching ‘Carry On Again Doctor’ on TV aged 7 or 8. I sat on the sofa blushing as red as a tomato as I had never seen anyone as beautiful, funny or adorable as #BarbaraWindsor and I still never have’. David pic.twitter.com/jfU9z3ivBe

— David Walliams HQ (@davidwalliams) December 11, 2020

We're so sad to hear that Dame Barbara Windsor, who had dementia, has died aged 83. She bravely shared her struggle with the disease and helped to highlight the issues that so many living with #dementia face. Our thoughts are with her family & friends #BarbaraWindsor #Alzheimers pic.twitter.com/3wMByga7WF

— The National Brain Appeal (@BrainAppeal) December 11, 2020

RIP #BarbaraWindsor.
Huge pleasure to work with her on Who Do You Think You Are (here at the old Bryant & May match factory in Bow)

Between takes she talked about the class prejudice that made her hide her East End accent- which then brought her a new wave of fame in Eastenders! pic.twitter.com/AkdglMsuNk

— Dr Louise Raw (@LouiseRawAuthor) December 11, 2020

I met Barbara Windsor in 1991. I was a terrified work experience boy who took her some tea. She called me a ‘handsome gentleman’. She struck me as a kind person. What else matters?

— Rob Williams (@BobJWilliams) December 11, 2020

What bloody sad news to wake up to... Barbara Windsor was the funniest, warmest, naughtiest, kindest & most big-hearted of people. She was also a fabulous actress with the world’s most infectious giggle.
Absolutely loved her. RIP Babs, and thanks for all the laughs. pic.twitter.com/Cq2aPRZQbK

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 11, 2020

Barbara Windsor in real life was everything you might have hoped for. So warm, so funny, so kind. Goodnight sweetheart x #BarbaraWindsor

— Jonathan Ross (@wossy) December 11, 2020

So sad to hear the news that #BarbaraWindsor has passed away. She brought much joy to the nation and was a true national treasure in every sense of the word. May she rest in peace. #RIPBabs

— Floella Benjamin (@FloellaBenjamin) December 11, 2020