Barbara Windsor's widow gushed over new EastEnders girlfriend earlier this year
Barbara Windsor's widow Scott Mitchell paid a sweet tribute to his new EastEnders girlfriend earlier this year.
The 60-year-old announced he is dating actress Tanya Franks, who played Rainie Cross in the soap, as he holidayed in Greece this month.
Their romance being confirmed comes after Scott shared a message of thanks to Tanya back in April, as she joined his Babs Army.
The group helped to raise thousands of pounds for Alzheimer’s Research UK in Barbara's name. Scott has ran the London Marathon three times to raise funds, and Tanya also joined in.
Earlier this year she shared a pic on social media after she made it to the finish line of the tough race where Scott left a touching message in the comments.
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Alongside the snap, Tanya wrote: "I never thought I would complete 1 London Marathon in my life let alone that yesterday's was my 3rd.
Scott is 'truly happy' with Tanya (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Barbara and Scott were together 27 years (Getty Images Europe)"I couldn't be more grateful to London Marathon for being amazingly encouraging in their support and for giving thousands of people this opportunity every year. And I'm so very proud of my Babs Army team mates yesterday achieving what at times felt like the unachievable. And I'm particularly proud of Scott Mitchell who has the hugest of hearts, pulled us all together, and stayed with me to walk the final 11.7 miles when my knee niggle only allowed me to run the first 15.5. Thank you Scott."
Scott commented: "It was my pleasure!! You have put your heart and soul into this Tanya and I can never thank you enough for your time and passion. I know how close the cause is to your heart! Thank you for always being a part of my marathon journey!!!" The new couple bonded over their commitment to running the London Marathon in support of dementia research, after Dame Barbara discovered she was suffering from Alzheimer's in 2014.
According to a source, Scott is believed to be "truly happy" after previously fearing he might "never find another" following Barbara's death three years ago. 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."
The source added that the new couple are "taking things slowly" but there's "so much friendship and respect". Barbara's iconic EastEnders' character Peggy Mitchell was on the BBC soap at the same time as Tanya's character. Rainie even had a storyline with Peggy's son Phil, which saw him become addicted to crack cocaine.
Away from the Walford set, Tanya actress Barbara had a friendship. While Tanya and Barbara's husband Scott are believed to have first bonded in 2019 when they trained for the London Marathon together alongside other EastEnders cast members. The group ran the marathon to raise money for dementia charities over the years. This year, the EastEnders gang – who call themselves Bab's Army – ran for Alzheimer's Research UK.
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