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barbara windsorwidower of Scott Mitchell Has said he is “deeply hurt” by the reaction to his new relationship eastenders Actor Tanya Franks.
Peggy Mitchell Starr Windsor died in 2020 at the age of 83 Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease six years ago. Michelle, 62, who married Windsor in 2000, became his full-time carer and met Franks, 58, who played Renee Cross in the BBC soap. fund raising For Alzheimer’s Research UK.
During that time the pair became close and Their friendship turned into romance After Windsor’s death. They confirmed the relationship in 2023 – but soon faced negative comments, which they have reflected on in a new interview.
“There’s always someone who says, ‘It was too early,'” he said. mirror,
“Especially on social media, it’s easy to sit on the sidelines and pass judgment. These people forget that their words can really hurt.”
Michelle said the Windsors would have approved of the relationship and that Franks allows her to talk about the star whenever she needs to.
He said Franks could relate to the experience of having a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s as his stepfather died of the disease in 2024, so he “never second-guessed whether the moment is right”.
“I wouldn’t do it if I thought it would hurt her,” he said.
Franks guest stars eastenders Since 2007, Joe Joyner has been playing the role of Renee Cross, sister of Tanya Branning. She also starred in Sharon Horgan’s sitcom Drag,
Speaking on Kate Thornton white wine question time podcast, Michelle said in May that, although some might think she “moved on too fast” after Windsor’s death, she “never” wanted her to be alone.
He told Thornton, “I would like to believe that she would be happy that someone was with me and I wasn’t alone.” “She always told me, ‘I never want you to be alone.'”
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She previously said that when people question her relationship with Franks she thinks “how dare you” because “people don’t know pain” or “what pain is.”
“I don’t think anyone ever gets over the loss of someone they love so deeply. I think we find ways to carry them with us and that’s what I try to do every day.”
He said about the relationship during a joint appearance with Franks this morning: “We formed an incredible friendship over four years and something amazing came from it. The exact opposite of what dementia is.
“I’m very fortunate to have a partner who doesn’t mind speaking about my late wife.”
Franks said: “I can’t help but support her in talking about this. When you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s you often feel alone in it.”