14 July 2023 , 08:28
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Dame Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell previously said he did not think he would find a love again like her, as it's revealed he is now happily dating former East Enders star Tanya Franks.
Last night it was revealed that Scott, 60, is in a new relationship with Tanya, 55, three years after Barbara's tragic death to Alzheimer's.
Much-loved actress Barbara, had been married to Scott for 20 years, with dedicated Scott supporting her through her seven year health battle.
Due to their 27 year age gap, the pair were often subjected to unwanted commentary regarding their relationship, despite them enjoying a loving, almost three-decades-long romance until the soap icon's death at the age of 83.
Scott recently sat down with David Walliams to discuss his book By Your Side: My Life Loving Barbara Windsor.
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Speaking of his late wife, the 60-year-old said: "On paper, [our romance] it shouldn’t have worked, but it did with us.
“I am so thankful that she chose me to share her life with because I don’t think I will ever find another."
Dame Barbara and Scott married in 2000 (Getty Images Europe)
He says he'll never find a person like her (UK Press via Getty Images)He added that he felt "privileged" to be there for the end of her life and added: "I was blessed to have crossed paths with Barbara."
Dame Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014, with Scott sharing the news publicly four years later.
He said he first noticed symptoms of Alzheimer's in 2009 when Dame Barbara began finding it difficult to learn her lines.
Meanwhile, it was recently reported that Scott found love again despite fearing he might "never find another."
According to a source, Scott is believed to be "truly happy".
Scott went official with Tanya whilst on holiday in Greece this month, as their families and friends are said to be happy for them both.
Dame Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014 (WireImage)
Scott found love again three years after Dame Barbara's death (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Speaking of finding love again, Scott told The Sun: "Life feels really good right now," before adding: "Life feels really good right now and we are enjoying some special time together."
A source also told the newspaper: “His and Barbara’s friends are delighted he’s found someone to share his life with. It’s fairly early days but Scott is cautiously now looking forward to the future. They made the decision to update their wider circles while on holiday in Greece and everyone was over the moon."
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The source added that the new couple are "taking things slowly" but there's "so much friendship and respect".
Tanya is known for her role in EastEnders, playing Tanya Branning’s sister Rainie Cross in the BBC soap between 2007 and 2018, when she signed up full-time.
However, she made the decision to leave the soap in August 2022.