“I’m sitting here thinking of the [hundreds] of memories we shared,” Palmer wrote. “Too many to comprehend. We were like family for a long time, ups downs , ins and outs, but you will never meet a more professional actress than Babs.”

She added: “[Scott Mitchell] you were the best husband she could’ve wished for. We shared such magical times together and I’ll cherish every one. I can hear that laugh now as I sit and think about her. I hope it’ll ring in my ears forever. She always looked out for me and so did you. Love you both very much. I’m gutted! I could say so much but I’m so sad. RIP BABS.”

Former Hollyoaks actor and Game Of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel also shared her admiration for Windsor.

Barbara Windsor has died, read the moving tributes being shared for the “magical” star