Ex-EastEnders star Rita Simons reveals update on Barbara Windsor’s battle with Alzheimer’s

Rita Simons

by Emma Dodds |
Published on

Former EastEnders actress Rita Simons AKA Roxy Mitchell has spoken out about her on-screen aunt Barbara Windsor following her Alzheimer's diagnosis earlier this year.

Rita, whose character Roxy was killed off the show last year, has always been close to Barbara after playing her niece on EastEnders for 10 years.

After Barbara was revealed to be suffering from Alzheimer's, a degenerative disease that often causes memory loss, celebrities have rallied around her to offer their support.

Now, Rita has given an update on how Barbara is doing.

All the EastEnders spoilers you need to know for next week...

Gallery

EastEnders Spoilers Week 27 2018 - SLIDER

EastEastEnders Shakil funeral1 of 19
CREDIT: BBC

The residents prepare to say their final goodbye to Shakil Kazemi

Still struggling to deal with Shakil's death, Kush has to break the news to Carmel that they have a meeting with Jay Brown to plan the funeral. Unfortunately, her mind is focused on organising the youth club and fails to show up to the meeting which leaves Kush feeling concerned.

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CREDIT: BBC

EastEastEnders Shakil funeral

Even though they're not too keen on the youth club idea, Bex, Louise, Tiffany and Bernadette are surprised when Carmel begins to question about how things are going at school.

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Carmel Kazemi and Keegan Baker come to blows

Elsewhere Keegan struggles to cope following the knife attack and remains on-edge. When Carmel rushes over to support Keegan, he throws it back in her face and tells her she's using the youth club as a distraction and it's not going to bring Shakil back.

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CREDIT: BBC

EastEnders Shakil funeral

Later on Denise and Kush continue to grow concerned as Carmel refuses to plan Shakil's funeral and instead focuses on organising another youth club event.

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CREDIT: BBC

Carmel isolates herself from the rest of the square

Things take a turn for the worse when Keegan confronts Carmel for not getting involved with Shakil's funeral and after she crumbles, harsh words are shared. Carmel then heads over to the funeral parlour and tells Jay to cancel all the tributes and un-invites everyone to the funeral as she just wants it to be her and Shakil.It's not long before his mum's behaviour begins to affect him and Kush opens up to Denise and admits he thinks Carmel has let Shakil down by not helping with the funeral.

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CREDIT: BBC

It's Shakil's funeral

EastEnders Shakil funeral7 of 19
CREDIT: BBC

EastEnders Shakil funeral

On Friday it's the day of Shakil's funeral and despite Carmel's orders the Kazemi family prepare for the emotional day ahead, with Kush insisting the funeral will go ahead as planned. When Kush begs his mum to attend Shakil's funeral, she ignores him and it's not long before the notice she's gone missing…

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CREDIT: BBC

EastEnders Shakil funeral

While everyone heads to the church, Denise desperately tries to find Carmel in time but will be able to convince her to attend the funeral?

EastEnders Hayley Slater9 of 19
CREDIT: BBC

Hayley Slater reveals the truth to Jean

Next week when Jean Slater goes to answer Hayley's phone she discovers some money Hayley has stashed away from the rest of the family. Hayley later admits she's been using Charlie's taxi without a licence to make some money.

EastEnders Hayley Slater10 of 19
CREDIT: BBC

EastEnders Hayley Slater

Jean agrees not to tell the rest of the Slaters but makes Hayley promise not to use the taxi anymore… will she listen?It seems not because Hayley's plans to make money comes to a stop after Jean takes away Charlie's taxi keys. However after she manages to steal back the keys, she goes to pick up a customer leaving Jean disgruntled.

EastEnders Hayley Slater11 of 19
CREDIT: BBC

Hayley steals from Carmel

Later on a desperate Hayley steals money from Carmel but after feeling guilty about it she tries to give the cashback by pretending she found it on the floor.

EastEnders Rainie Cross12 of 19

Rainie and Max Branning kiss

We've been waiting for something bad to happen in this marriage and next week we won't be far off.Rainie tells her husband they need to convince Jack Branning and Mel Owen that they're a real couple otherwise they'll realise their marriage is an absolute shame. A worried Raine decides to host a meal for the four of them but after Max pulls her to the side and tells her to stop trying so hard, Rainie surprises him but giving him a kiss!

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CREDIT: BBC

EastEnders Rainie Cross

Following their cheeky kiss, Max makes it clear to Rainie that their only focus is getting custody of his granddaughter Abi.

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EastEnders Rainie Cross

When Max seeks advice from his ex-lover Stacey and his relationship with Rainie, Donna Yates discovers that Martin and Stacey Fowler have given Max a reference.Eek!

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EastEnders Rainie Cross

A fuming Donna gives Martin a reality check and puts Rainie in her place by questioning whether she's capable of looking after a baby. Not one to go down without a fight, Rainie steals cigarettes from the Minute Mart and plants them on Donna's stall before reporting her.

EastEnders Rainie Cross16 of 19
CREDIT: BBC

EastEnders Rainie Cross

After Mr Lister finds the cigarettes, Donna realises Rainie set her up and storms over to the Branning's to confront Rainie.

EastEnders Rainie Cross17 of 19
CREDIT: BBC

EastEnders Rainie Cross

Despite Max putting on a united front and defending Rainie, after Donna leaves he snaps at his "wife" for almost running their chance with baby Abi and warns she won't get any money if she makes another mistake.

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CREDIT: BBC

EastEnders Rainie Cross

After Robbie discovers Donna's been fined for selling the cigarettes, he asks Max and Rainie to pay for the fine however they'll only do it if Donna doesn't reveal Rainie was involved.

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CREDIT: BBC

EastEnders Rainie Cross

Later on Max and Rainie come to blow again – will they be able to sort themselves out before people realise its's a sham marriage?

Speaking to the Mirror, Rita said: "Just because she’s got this terrible disease doesn’t mean she’s locked up in her flat all the time.

"She still has a laugh – she just has to factor this in as part of her life. She’s been having some really good days."

Speaking of Barbara's husband Scott Mitchell, Rita couldn't praise him highly enough, telling the publication: "She’s got Scott who is amazing. That is commitment. Without Scott Barbara would be lost. He’s the most wonderful husband to her."

Barbara Windsor
©Shutterstock

It was Scott who revealed Barbara's diagnosis to the world earlier this year after keeping it secret for a number of years. In an interview with The Sun, Scott said: "When the doctor told us, she began crying then held it back, stretched her hand out to me and mouthed, 'I’m so sorry.'

"Since her 80th birthday last August, a definite continual confusion has set in, so it’s becoming a lot more difficult for us to hide."

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