Ross Kemp has revealed that Dame Barbara Windsor’s desire to die was to spend more money on dementia research.
The TV icon died tragically at the age of 83 after losing his battle with Alzheimer’s and paid tribute to Eastenders and Carrie On Star.
And now, the 56-year-old Russo, who played East non-screen son Grant Mitchell on EastEnders, began his final conversation with the actress in a facetime call three weeks ago.
What she wanted: Ross Kempe has revealed that Dame Barbara Windsor’s desire to die was to spend more money on dementia research.
Speaking to The Mirror, the actor recalled how Barbara told him about the despair of the disease and he wished that more could be done to help dementia sufferers and how she wished to introduce ‘Barbara Tax’.
He told the publication: ‘Barbara made it very clear that she wanted to treat dementia as a medical problem, not a social care issue.
‘And I know it’s very expensive. So bring a Barbara tax – another pound or so on your tax bill to prevent people from selling their home to take care of their loved ones. ‘
He added that the money could be used to ‘help find a cure’ for dementia or at least to ‘slow down the onset’.
Final conversation: Russ, who plays his son-in-law Grant Mitchell on EastEnders, opened up about the final conversation with the actress in a FaceTime movie three weeks ago.
The TV star goes on to say that Barbara’s husband, 57, Scott Mitchell, supported her idea, adding that Scott had been “floored” by her death.
Discussing her last days, Ross said: ‘By the very end Barbara was very brave and was very vocal about coming forward about Alzheimer’s and dementia. It was only when she was first diagnosed that I remember talking to her and to Scott as to whether it was the right thing for her to raise so much. But for her it was obvious. ‘
She added that she was determined to fight for “her summary” and that she was “willing to use her ‘celebrity status’ to help expose Britain’s biggest killer.”
There are currently 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and Ross noted that the amount of other people suffering from the same thing is not lost on Barbara or Scott.
Sadly missed: TV icon dies at 83 at the age of 83 after losing his battle with Alzheimer’s
Best wishes: ‘Barbara made it clear that she wants to treat dementia as a medical problem, not a social care issue.’
The Ultimate Force Star also revealed how in Barbara’s final days he was in constant contact with Scott via text, blessing recruitment adviser Ross to discuss Barbara’s final wishes.
He added that he last spoke to her on FaceTime three weeks ago and said how her death has ‘hit us all hard’.
Talking about Barbara’s hopes for the future of dementia research, he said how he understands that the government wanted to spend more money on the park – convinced with Scott that this is the case.
He added that it was a ‘legacy’ for which ‘Barbara wants to be remembered.’
Plan: I know it’s too expensive. So bring a Barbara tax – another pound or so on your tax bill to stop people from selling their homes to take care of their loved ones’ (portrayed as Peggy and Grant Mitchell in 1996)
Meanwhile, it has been noted that the origins of Barbara Coke will be remembered with a commemorative celebration next year.
It is said that the event will mark the legacy of the star on stage and on screen, with famous faces taking part.
A source told The Sun: “Hopefully next year’s commemoration will be a real celebration of Barbara’s life, so that everyone can enjoy it together.”
Barbara’s funeral is expected to take place later this month, but due to restrictions on Covid-19, only 30 people will be allowed to attend.
Supporter: The TV star goes on to say that Barbara’s husband, 57, Scott Mitchell, supported her idea, adding that Scott had “fallen to the floor” since her death (pictured December 2017).
The monument, in which fans can pay their respects, no doubt will be a big public event, restrictions should be relaxed.
Elsewhere, there are reports that Barbara will ‘star’ in three carry-on films, with producers hoping to use holograms of footage older than the star.
Barbara starred in nine carry-on films between 1964 and 1974.
News Movies, produced by Carry On Films Limited, is set to release 30 years after the last installment.
Her legacy: Discussing her last days, Ross said: “By the very end, Barbara was very brave and very vocal about coming forward with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday, the company’s boss Brian Baker said of the new idea: ‘
‘We’ve got two new stories and we’re seeking to make it one of the old stories to bring it up to the quality of modern times – probably Car Carry on Sergeant.
‘Barbara will appear. To say “well done” would be an understatement. This is the best way to do it. We are using holograms from old footage to place it in a queue-like position at the Royal Albert Hall or to serve in the shop. ‘
He added: ‘People loved her because she was on earth. She looked the funny side. He did not take offense. She had an old fashioned British beach. ‘
Carrie On Legends Sid James and Kenneth Williams are also set to attend.
Memorial: Meanwhile, it is reported that Barbara Coke’s origins will be commemorated with a memorial service next year
Production of the films for the 2022 release is set to begin next spring, with the idea of making them available on streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime.
Barbara is survived by her third husband Scott, who announced early Friday morning that her ‘best friend and soul mate’ passed away peacefully at the London Care Home on Thursday evening at 3.3pm.
When she died she had gone to his house just a few days before to stay.
He said in a statement: “She died of Alzheimer’s / dementia and finally Barbara died peacefully and I spent the last seven days beside her.
What is a star: It is said that the event will mark the legacy of the star on stage and on screen, with famous faces taking part.
‘I, her family and friends remember Barbara for many years with the love, smiles and love she brought into our lives, the entertainment, the friendship and the brilliance she gave to so many thousands of people throughout her career. ‘
He added: ‘There was no end to Barbara or anyone else living with this very cruel disease. I will always be proud of Barbara’s courage, pride and generosity in dealing with her own illness and yet I am trying to help others by raising awareness until she wakes up. ‘
At the end of their ongoing tribute, Michelle said: ‘Now you can rest my precious bar in peace. I have lost my wife, my best friend and soul mate and my heart or life will never feel like this without you. ‘
Hologram? Elsewhere, it is reported that Barbara will ‘star’ in three carry-on films, with the producers hoping to use a hologram of footage older than the star.
Dame Barbara became one of the most famous faces on the British screen for her fun-filled succulent roles before becoming non-nonsense queen Vic Landlady Peggy Mitchell in the 1960s and 70s carry-on comedies.
As she bravely battled Alzheimer’s in the final years of her life, she embarked on a campaign to save the energetic, vulnerable and lonely people as well as the armed forces from their enthusiastic support through poppy appeal.
The actress – who was damned by Queen in 2016 – announced that she was suffering from Alzheimer’s in 2018, diagnosed four years ago. She moved into a care home in July, five months before she died.
An Icon: Barbara has survived her third husband, Scott, who announced early Friday morning that her ‘best friend and soul mate’ had died peacefully in a London care home at 3.35pm on Thursday.
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