Christopher Biggins has given an update on Barbara Windsor’s battle with dementia, explaining how she has lapses in memory.
The legendary EastEnders actress was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014, and went public with the diagnosis in May last year.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain to hosts Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh, Biggins stated she was in good spirits despite the condition after meeting up with Barbara.
‘Well when I had lunch with her about five weeks ago in central London, she was fantastic. She was really good. She was on form and we laughed a lot.
‘I think what happens is she remembers the way, way past. But it’s things which happen on the day and the day before that are difficult for her.’
Asked if she tends to repeat questions, Biggins said: ‘Unfortunately she is yes. I think she asked me during the period of lunch about six or seven times what I was doing, and where do I live, and it was the same repeated question. That is what the saddest thing about it all.
‘It’s very tricky for her husband Scott because he lives with it all the time. It’s very frustrating.’
He added: ‘I think she’s very happy. Scott does everything, they have people to look after her, coming in to do her make-up and her hair. She’s in a very good place I think. It’s just these lapses in memory which are just awful.’
Asked if she’s aware she has dementia, Biggins replied: ‘Yes, I mean I remember when she first had it, I went round to see her at her house and I was rather cruel and said, “Hello Barbara, my name is Biggins.” And she said the f-word and we laughed a lot.
‘She still has that great sense of humour. It’s a very sad situation, as lots of people know who have friends with dementia, it’s an awful thing to have.’
You can catch Good Morning Britain weekdays on ITV at 6am.
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