16 July 2023 , 16:36
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Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell has been pictured with his new girlfriend, former EastEnders star Tanya Franks.
The 60-year-old went public with his new romance while on holiday in Greece earlier this month, and the couple were spotted enjoying each other’s company as they walked down the street in London.
Tanya laughed and smiled at Scott as they strolled down the busy street carrying bags of shopping from Waitrose.
The actress, who played Rainie Cross in the BBC One soap from 2007 until 2011, was animatedly gesturing at Scott, and giggled at her new boyfriend.
The couple looked relaxed and were dressed casually for the food shopping trip, with Scott wearing jeans and a light blue jacket, while Tanya, 55, rocked trainers and loose trousers with her hair piled on top of her head.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
The couple went food shopping for essentials at Waitrose in Marylebone (NASH / BACKGRID)Scott is delighted to have found love again, three years after the death of his beloved wife Barbara, and he thanked people for their words of support after he confirmed his relationship.
“Thanks for your kind wishes. Life feels really good right now and we are enjoying some special time together,” he told The Sun.
They first met while training for the London Marathon, which he ran three times from 2019 to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Scott and Tanya went public with their romance earlier this month (NASH / BACKGRID)
Scott and Barbara were married for 20 years (PA)Scott has raised thousands of pounds for the charity, but in April this year, he spoke about moving on with his life and stepping away from the gruelling endurance race.
“This is definitely my last marathon and my last time running for Babs’ Army,” he said on Good Morning Britain.
“I know I said that last time but this one really is my last one. It doesn’t get easier,” Scott explained, as he said it was time to “pull back a little”.
Scott is delighted with his new relationship (NASH / BACKGRID)“For the last few years I have tried to keep Barbara’s memory alive… It has been really important for me to do but it’s now time to focus on myself for a bit,” he continued.
“I need to look after myself and focus on my future and my happiness.”
Barbara was diagnosed in 2014 with Alzheimer’s, and died in a care home in December 2020.