DAME Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell praised his girlfriend Tanya Franks in a resurfaced post after finding love again three years after the death of his wife.
The 60-year-old went official with EastEnders actress Tanya, who plays Rainie Cross on the BBC One soap, on holiday this month in Greece.
Scott Mitchell gushed over actress Tanya Franks in a resurfaced post
Scott’s new relationship comes three years after the death of his TV and film star wife Dame Barbara Windsor
Back in April, Tanya ran the London Marathon with Scott and her EastEnders co-star Adam Woodyatt, in support of Babs Army, which has raised thousands of pounds for Alzheimer’s Research UK in the Carry On legend’s name.
Tanya shared a celebratory picture of her reaching the finish line, prompting Scott to leave an emotional message in the comments section.
She wrote alongside the post: “I never thought I would complete 1 London Marathon in my life let alone that yesterday’s was my 3rd.
“I couldn’t be more grateful to London Marathon for being amazingly encouraging in their support and for giving thousands of people this opportunity every year.
“And I’m so very proud of my Babs Army team mates yesterday achieving what at times felt like the unachievable.
“And I’m particularly proud of Scott Mitchell who has the hugest of hearts, pulled us all together, and stayed with me to walk the final 11.7 miles when my knee niggle only allowed me to run the first 15.5. Thank you Scott.”
He went onto praise her for putting her “heart and soul” into the cause, and thanking her for being a part of his “marathon journey”.
He commented: “It was my pleasure!! You have put your heart and soul into this Tanya and I can never thank you enough for your time and passion.
“I know how close the cause is to your heart! Thank you for always being a part of my marathon journey!!!”
It comes after Scott spoken of finding love again admitting: “Life feels really good right now.”
And their friends and families are thrilled to see them both so happy.
When HOAR approached Scott for a comment on the relationship and to wish them well, he said: “Thanks for your kind wishes.
“Life feels really good right now and we are enjoying some special time together”.
Just like Barbara, 55-year-old Tanya has appeared in EastEnders — playing Tanya Branning’s sister Rainie Cross in the BBC soap.
A source said: “Scott has found love again with Tanya and is truly happy.
“His and Barbara’s friends are delighted he’s found someone to share his life with.
“It’s fairly early days but Scott is cautiously now looking forward to the future.
“They made the decision to update their wider circles while on holiday in Greece and everyone was over the moon.
“There is so much friendship and respect between them both and they’re taking things slowly.”
Barbara died peacefully in a care home in December 2020, aged 83, after living with Alzheimer’s since 2014.
She first shared her diagnosis with the public in 2018.
Devoted Scott’s fundraising efforts saw the public donate nearly £70,000 for his 2023 run alone.
This year he completed the 26.2-mile run in six hours and 15 minutes and told reporters: “As far as Babs’ Army are concerned, we’re going to have a year off, then in 2025 we’re going to have a new challenge.
“Whatever we decide to do, it will be under the banner of Babs’ Army again.”
Scott admitted that ‘life feels good right now’
