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Ross Kemp gives update on Barbara Windsor's heartbreaking Alzheimer's battle

The actress was diagnosed in 2014

barbara windsor ross kemp visit
Diane Shipley
Senior Online Writer
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Drama Babs will be on our sceens on Tuesday night, which follows the heartwarming story of actress, Dame Barbara Windsor. In the show, 'Babs' recounts the people and events that have shaped her life and career. The star was sadly diagnosed with Alzheimer's back in 2014, and her friend and EastEnders co-star, Ross Kemp. recently fronted a new programme about the condition and opened up about Barbara's situation. 

WATCH: Ross Kemp fronts new coronavirus documentary

Speaking in an article for The Sun back in June, Ross wrote: "I've been in Barbara Windsor's house for just a few minutes. I'm sitting down with a cup of tea and a biscuit with my friend of three decades. I'm taken aback, but I can't show it." He continued: "Barbara was my TV mum on EastEnders and is hilariously funny and vivacious, with a rapier wit – we've always had a giggle, on and off set. But now she clearly has no idea who I am."

MORE: All you need to know about Ross Kemp's family, from wife Renee O'Brien to his four children

scottbarbarawindsor© Photo: Getty Images

Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014

Ross' heartbreaking update comes after Barbara's husband, Scott Mitchell, explained that her disease had deteriorated over recent times. Speaking to the Sunday Mirror earlier this year, Scott, who married Barbara in 2000 and will also appear in Ross' new documentary, said: "Constantly, she does not realise where we are, even in the house. She will ask me, 'When are we going home?' Sometimes she will ask me about people who have already passed away, as if they are still here."

MORE: Ross Kemp makes rare confession about fatherhood and reveals the sweet sacrifice he does for his son

ross kemp and scott

Ross will chat to Barbara's husband Scott during the documentary

The 56-year-old continued: "That is something she does regularly about her own parents. It is a very difficult one. Barbara will often say to me: 'Do you know how to get in touch with my mum? I'd like to have a chat with her. I haven't seen her for ages, I need to see her.'" However, despite this sad turn of events, Scott confirmed that he and his wife often enjoy each other's company. The former actor said: "'The lovely thing is, she's still got that lovely sense of fun within her. She still loves to sit there and giggle. I make her laugh, she makes me laugh."

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