Barbara Windsor to leave EastEnders

Wed Oct 28 11:34AM by TV Editor

Barbara Windsor as Peggy Mitchell

Soap icon Barbara Windsor has announced that she is leaving EastEnders.

The actress, who has played Peggy Mitchell in the show for 15 years, will leave in a storyline next year.

Barbara first appeared in EastEnders back in 1994 and went on to become one of the soap's best-loved characters. She was awarded an MBE in 1999 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards in May this year.

Speaking about her departure, Barbara said: "EastEnders has been wonderful to me and it's no secret that it changed my life all of those years ago. I'll be so sad to leave Peggy behind; she's such a wonderful character to play.

"I have had the pleasure of working with a marvellous cast and crew and have made many lasting good friends. To have had the honour of showing the Queen around the set is something that will stay with me forever.

"I would like to thank the BBC for the incredible opportunity they gave me and above all, I must thank the wonderful viewers for their support over the years. I'm looking forward to the future and I suppose when all's said and done, I should spend a bit more time with my old man, as he's not getting any younger."

No further details have been revealed yet about when she will depart and whether it will be a dramatic exit or a simple farewell in a black cab. Our money is on a dramatic exit!

We are in shock at this news! Are you sad that she's leaving the show? How would you like to see her depart? Let us know...

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