Dame Barbara Windsor reads emotional message following Alzheimer’s announcement

Dame Barbara Windsor has spoken out about her Alzheimer’s diagnosis and insisted she intends to “carry on”.

The legendary EastEnders star, 80, was first diagnosed with the neurodegenerative condition four years ago after first seeing a doctor for memory problems in 2012, The Sun reports.

Windsor’s husband of 18 years, Scott Mitchell, told the newspaper – through journalist and close friend Jane Moore – the couple had decided to go public with the diagnosis after her symptoms rapidly worsened in recent weeks.

Thursday (May 17) marked Moore’s birthday and during a segment on Loose Women, Windsor recorded a moving message to her close friend and thanked her and “everyone” follow her news.

Windsor said: “Hi Jane, and all the Loose Women. It’s Barbara Windsor here.

“I just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday darling Jane. And thank you, thank you so much for being a loyal and good friend.

“And helping Scott share my recent news. And I’d also like to say a big thank you to everyone for the messages of support I’ve been receiving.

‘We love you Barbara!’ How lovely for Barbara Windsor to send our @janem a birthday message 😘 pic.twitter.com/AGQQSmNY8d

— Loose Women (@loosewomen) May 17, 2018

“It really means a lot to me, it really does. Have a great day and have no fear – I still intend to carry on. And God bless everyone.”

Jane can be seen during getting emotional during the segment and went on to praise Scott for doing the interview.

She said: “We all that Barbara is incredible. Look at us all, we’re all gone [crying].

“Scott is not a celebrity partner. He never puts himself in the limelight. It was a big thing for him to do that interview.

“It was absolutely the right thing. Barbara, we love you!”