Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell confirms split from Tanya Franks

Scott Mitchell, the 62-year-old widower of Dame Barbara Windsor, has confirmed he has split from EastEnders actress Tanya Franks, 59, after three years together.

Mitchell told The Sun: “I can confirm Tanya and I had a couple of wonderful years together. In true respect of each other, we felt in April our relationship should evolve into a now incredible and kind friendship. Tanya is also a highly private person. Out of respect for her, I will not be commenting any further on this matter.”

A source told the newspaper: “She was a rock to Scott in the years that passed after Barbara’s death. Sadly they decided earlier this year that the spark had gone and they were better as friends.”

The pair began dating in 2023, three years after Dame Barbara died of Alzheimer’s disease aged 83 in December 2020. Mitchell and Windsor had been married for 20 years.

Franks is best known to EastEnders viewers as Rainie Cross on the BBC soap, while Mitchell now plays a key role in the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals Programme.

Tanya’s representatives declined to comment, according to Entertainment Daily.

Sources: The Sun and Entertainment Daily.