She may be an ‘EastEnders’ legend, but it seems Barbara Windsor is unimpressed with some of the later additions to the BBC soap’s cast, accusing them of lacking “focus”.
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The acting veteran played Peggy Mitchell for over a decade, before stepping down from the role in 2005, and later returning for occasional guest appearances, including one for the 2015 30th anniversary celebrations.
However, she has hit out at some of the younger members of the cast, criticising them for being late, and talking on their phones while on set.
Barbara Windsor
In a new interview with Yours magazine, Barbara describes herself as a “traditionalist” and “a stickler for punctuality”, insisting: “I like things to be right.”
She also discusses her previous fall-out with former co-star Jessie Wallace, explaining: “It’s common knowledge I fell out with Jessie because she was late sometimes. But everybody was late or talking on their mobiles.
"I don’t like that but it’s a generational thing. It’s difficult. If they are not taught it, then it’s not there.
“A lot of young stars haven’t had to work their way up. June Brown, who plays Dot Cotton, says I should provide a masterclass for those starting out.”
Barbara goes on to praise the latest addition to ‘EastEnders’, Bonnie Langford, for upholding her high standards, and reveals that her reputation is still prevalent in Albert Square.
“I got a call from one of the actors and he said doing a scene with Bonnie Langford, who recently joined, was like doing one with me,” she reveals.
“Bonnie arrives on time, knows her lines and is polite and professional. I felt so honoured because Bonnie’s so good.”
For Barbara’s most recent appearance in ‘EastEnders’, she starred alongside Danny Dyer, whose character took over as landlord of the Queen Vic, when Peggy said farewell to Walford.
Her comments come after former 'EastEnders' actor Phil Daniels suggested it was time to call time on the soap altogether, claiming: "I think it's just run its course."
Read Barbara's full interview in the new issue of Yours magazine, on sale now.