British actress Barbara Windsor is to become a dame in the New Years’ honours list, thanks to her decades long acting career and her tireless charity work. The 78-year-old, who is already an MBE, is best known as 'Eastenders'’ Queen Vic barmaid Peggy Mitchell and for her roles in numerous Carry On films.

Barbara WindsorBarbara Windsor is to become a dame in the New Years’ honours list.

A Buckingham Palace source said told The Sun: “The Queen was delighted when Barbara’s name was put forward. Like Her Majesty, she is someone who has been part of the fabric of the way of life in Britain for many years.”

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Windsor is an ambassador for charity Age UK and supports a number of other causes including Children In Need and fronting Poppy Day Appeals. She also devotes her time to championing causes for the elderly.

Born in London, Windsor made her acting debut aged just 13 during a production of Cinderella at the Golders Green Hippodrome in 1950. Two years later she graduated to the West End stage, appearing in the chorus of the musical Love From Judy.

Her fist big screen role was in 1954’s The Belles of St Trinian’s and nine year’s later she made her first Carry On film appearance, going on to star in nine of the British comedies. In 1994 Windsor joined the cast of BBC soap opera ‘Eastenders’, playing barmaid Peggy Mitchell.

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In 2009 Windsor announced she was leaving 'Eastenders', with her character departing after a fire at the Queen Vic pub. However Windsor returned to the soap for one episode in 2013 and another in 2014, she also appeared in the show’s 30th anniversary episode in February 2015.