Barbara Windsor urges Boris Johnson to review 'devastating' dementia care

Former EastEnders star tackles the PM in open letter

Dame Barbara Windsor has thrown her support behind an open letter calling on new PM Boris Johnson to review the “devastating” state of dementia care.

Speaking as a new ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, she said: “My heart goes out to the many, many people who are really struggling to get the care they so desperately need.”

Her husband, Scott Mitchell, added: “Seeing the true state of our social care system has shown me how people, who aren't as fortunate to be in the same position as myself and Barbara financially, are facing a constant battle to get what they need. I want to do everything I can to help them.”

Dame Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, but her diagnosis was only made public last year.

He said: “I want the public to know because they are naturally very drawn to Barbara and she loves talking to them. Rather than me living in fear she might get confused or upset, they’ll know that if her behaviour seems strange, it’s due to Alzheimer's and accept it for what it is.”

Earlier this year, it was reported that Windsor was in need of round-the-clock care.

As well as her role as Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, Windsor is best known for appearing in several of the Carry On films in the role of the "good time girl", including Carry On Spying, Carry On Camping, and Carry On Dick.

Mr Mitchell and eight of Windsor's former co-stars ran the London Marathon on 28 April to raise £100,000 for the charity Dementia Revolution.