Barbara Windsor’s ‘little act of kindness’ gave Dermot O’Leary big early career boost
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Dame Barbara Windsor’s wonderful act of kindness helped Dermot O'Leary shake off his crippling anxiety in the early years of his career.
The TV great's death has been announced, two years after symptoms of her Alzheimer’s started to show.
The entertainment world have been paying tribute to the former EastEnders star following the heartbreaking statement of her death very late on Thursday night.
Sharing his reflections on interviewing the acting legend, TV presenter Dermot says Barbara couldn't have been nicer when he was incredibly nervous during his early days on TV.
He wrote on Instagram: "Barbara Windsor was one of my first live guests on T4. I’d only just started doing live TV, early in my apprenticeship, and was so so nervous (I used to regularly throw up before every show.)
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"She came in like a tiny hurricane, made everyone feel at ease, flashed us that smile, and even said how nice it was to be interviewed by 'you two lovely boys' (when she really had no need to.) Sheppy [Ben Shephard] and I were on cloud nine.
"A little act of kindness, which went a mile for me, that I’ve never forgotten. From that day on, whenever I saw her it was like seeing a long lost relative. A class act.
Dermot added: "Rest in peace Barbara."
Barbara, one of Britain’s most beloved and well recognised entertainment stars, first found fame in her role as a buxom blonde in the Carry On films.
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Her husband Scott Mitchell has spoken about the loss of his beloved wife.
Shattered Scott says his “heart or life will never feel the same" without the veteran actress.
In an emotional statement, he said: “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’s final weeks were typical of how she lived her life. Full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end.
“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’s final weeks were typical of how she lived her life. Full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end.
“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."
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