EastEnders actor addressed falling in love with co-star Barbara Windsor's widower after confirming relationship

EastEnders actor Tanya Franks was revealed what it was like to fall in love with her co-star Barbara Windsor's widower.

Windsor, known for her iconic Peggy Mitchell role on EastEnders from 1994 until 2016, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2014.

The actor was married to Scott Mitchell until her passing on 10 December 2020 at the age of 83.

Co-star Franks bonded with Mitchell through their shared experiences with dementia advocacy, and announced their relationship in 2023.

Franks, who also cared for a family member with the disease, has also advocated and campaigned to spread awareness of the brain condition, which can cause memory loss, speaking difficulties, and difficulty making decisions.

Last year, the pair appeared on This Morning to discuss their relationship, and host Ben Shepard asked Franks what it was like to fall in love with someone who has 'this other part of his life'.

Here's what she said:

"I think really it was, it's a natural thing, because of the support of the Alzheimer's, it's something that you often feel alone in," Franks, who played Rainie Cross in EastEnders, from 2007 to 2022, explained.

"You can't always express when you are caring for someone that does have Alzheimer's. It's a very difficult situation.

"And really it was the connectivity of that, that allowed that support system to grow, and the communication of that.

Franks bonded with Mitchell through their shared experiences with dementia advocacy (ITV)

"And it's always been important to keep the communication of that going for both of us.

"So for me, Barbara is as much about the legacy of her living with Alzheimer's as it is me going through it with my stepfather."

In a recent interview with The Mirror, Mitchell reflected on his 27-year relationship with the late actor.

“It would be impossible for me not to miss her,” he admitted.

The actor was married to Scott Mitchell until her passing on 10 December 2020 at the age of 83 (David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Roundhouse)

“However, I also look at the fact that Barbara led an incredible life. And some! And she most likely lived 10 lives over compared to the rest of us.

“Before she had dementia, she would say to me, ‘When I die, be broken hearted, please. I want you to cry your eyes out. But then you promise me that you have the best life ever. Because that’s what I did’.

“The fact that we had 27 years together anyway was the most incredible thing. It shouldn’t have worked but we did spend this incredible life together.

“Now when I look back, I feel blessed for the time we spent together. Barbara changed my life in so many ways.”