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By Your Side: My Life Loving Barbara Windsor
A warm, colourful and heartfelt tribute to Barbara Windsor's rich, varied and remarkable life from the man who knew her best.
'I'm so glad you had the life you did, Barbara. I'm sorry you can't remember, but my God, what a life! You haven't wasted a minute of it...'
In December 2020, while the world was gripped with news of an imminent third lockdown, Scott Mitchell was visiting the care home where his partner and wife of 27 years - Dame Barbara Windsor - was being looked after. At the age of 83, after a career spanning seven decades and a seven-year battle with the debilitating effects of dementia, she was slipping away.
Barbara's illness meant she could no longer remember her magical career, and so Scott sat by her bedside in her final days, telling her tales from their extraordinary life together. From the unlikely moment they met to the challenges they faced, and the highs and lows of a life shared in the limelight. For theirs was an incredibly passionate relationship, but also a turbulent one - and along with a life of love and laughter, together they endured the pressures of fame, drink and addiction, heartbreak and ultimately dementia. He told Barbara stories of her wonderful achievements on and off screen, and the people who altered the trajectory of her life. From nine enormously successful and much-loved Carry On films to more than twenty years in Albert Square with the role of Peggy Mitchell. From director Joan Littlewood handpicking her for Sparrows Can't Sing and her first husband Ronnie Knight and his links to the Kray twins, to her friendships with Sid James, Kenneth Williams and more.
Weaving together an old-fashioned love story, a glittering life of showbiz and the true cost of dementia, By Your Side is a treasure trove for all of us who grew up watching and loving Dame Barbara. From the madness and the mayhem, the glorious highs and the devastating lows, to the fantastic fun she and Scott had along the way - this is an intimate, honest and incredibly personal account of a life spent loving Babs.
'I'm so glad you had the life you did, Barbara. I'm sorry you can't remember, but my God, what a life! You haven't wasted a minute of it...'
In December 2020, while the world was gripped with news of an imminent third lockdown, Scott Mitchell was visiting the care home where his partner and wife of 27 years - Dame Barbara Windsor - was being looked after. At the age of 83, after a career spanning seven decades and a seven-year battle with the debilitating effects of dementia, she was slipping away.
Barbara's illness meant she could no longer remember her magical career, and so Scott sat by her bedside in her final days, telling her tales from their extraordinary life together. From the unlikely moment they met to the challenges they faced, and the highs and lows of a life shared in the limelight. For theirs was an incredibly passionate relationship, but also a turbulent one - and along with a life of love and laughter, together they endured the pressures of fame, drink and addiction, heartbreak and ultimately dementia. He told Barbara stories of her wonderful achievements on and off screen, and the people who altered the trajectory of her life. From nine enormously successful and much-loved Carry On films to more than twenty years in Albert Square with the role of Peggy Mitchell. From director Joan Littlewood handpicking her for Sparrows Can't Sing and her first husband Ronnie Knight and his links to the Kray twins, to her friendships with Sid James, Kenneth Williams and more.
Weaving together an old-fashioned love story, a glittering life of showbiz and the true cost of dementia, By Your Side is a treasure trove for all of us who grew up watching and loving Dame Barbara. From the madness and the mayhem, the glorious highs and the devastating lows, to the fantastic fun she and Scott had along the way - this is an intimate, honest and incredibly personal account of a life spent loving Babs.
- GenresNonfiction
320 pages, Hardcover
Published February 7, 2023
14 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Scott Mitchell
82 books4 followersLibrarian note: There are other authors with the same name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 4, 2023
heart felt memoir about his wife and their life together and her battle with dementia
October 21, 2022
I loved this book, I listened to the Audible version, beautifully narrated by Scott and it really brought their story to life.
I was unaware of the struggles Scott had had with addiction and found his portrayal of how this affected his life brutally honest, no excuses, he owned it.
What is clear is that their relationship is a true love story in every sense. Definitely recommend.
I was unaware of the struggles Scott had had with addiction and found his portrayal of how this affected his life brutally honest, no excuses, he owned it.
What is clear is that their relationship is a true love story in every sense. Definitely recommend.
January 9, 2023
I loved this book, it made me laugh, it made me cry. The love Scott and Barbara had for each other was like no other, beautifully and sensitively written ❤️
February 3, 2023
A beautiful tribute to an icon who dedicated her life to entertainment and an incredibly honest and heartbreaking story of the affects of Alzheimer’s.
September 10, 2023
Barbara Windsor is my hero. Has been since I was 4 years old and sat in front of every carry on film that was on TV. My mum would plonk me in front of one showing on TV on the evening and go off to wash her hair. I'd laugh in hysterics at the sillyness , and all the jokes would go over my head. Yet as I got older I'd watch and laugh for the first time all over again at new joke si was just understanding. Even now if I'm ill, Ill whack a Carry On on just to hear Bab's wicked laugh and to chuckle along in peace.
I wasn't sure if I could read this book, but my husband bought it for my this Xmas. Knowing how much I loved her (he rushed home from work the day she died, so he could wake me up and be the first one to break the news to me) I read the book for him.
The book was beautiful. Tales of Barbara and Scott - both good and bad - painted a beautiful picture of their life together. I think what's lovely is that this book does not focus on Babs in the prime of her youth, but in her older days, the days of struggling with lack of work, before Eastenders, before Panto etc. Scott is raw in his accounts of their life together, the good the bad and the ugly. I felt I got to know Barbara on the inside through the eyes of someone who knew her the best. I don't think much was known about their relationship previously, but I can honestly say that the love they had for each other was such a blessing. What a beautiful man Scott is for the love he had for her.
I cried and cried reading the accounts of her illness as it slowly took hold. The realisation that she could no longer work, ultimately the death of a character like Peggy Mitchell being a death of a part of herself in a way, The stories of carers having to be in the house to look after her, the brutal reality of dementia and age and all that comes with it - not being able to sleep in the same bed, not recognising her husband and the pain that must of caused both of them, not being able to leave her in the house alone and ultimately the horrible desicion to have to put her into a home. It broke my heart. We think our heros are somehow above the flaws of human aging but this book somehow erased those boundaries for me and showed me the human side to Babs and underneath it all, the normal old lady who battled dementia.
Thank you Scott for writing it. I have the utmost respect for you as a husband, a carer, and a man. I hope you find happiness.
I wasn't sure if I could read this book, but my husband bought it for my this Xmas. Knowing how much I loved her (he rushed home from work the day she died, so he could wake me up and be the first one to break the news to me) I read the book for him.
The book was beautiful. Tales of Barbara and Scott - both good and bad - painted a beautiful picture of their life together. I think what's lovely is that this book does not focus on Babs in the prime of her youth, but in her older days, the days of struggling with lack of work, before Eastenders, before Panto etc. Scott is raw in his accounts of their life together, the good the bad and the ugly. I felt I got to know Barbara on the inside through the eyes of someone who knew her the best. I don't think much was known about their relationship previously, but I can honestly say that the love they had for each other was such a blessing. What a beautiful man Scott is for the love he had for her.
I cried and cried reading the accounts of her illness as it slowly took hold. The realisation that she could no longer work, ultimately the death of a character like Peggy Mitchell being a death of a part of herself in a way, The stories of carers having to be in the house to look after her, the brutal reality of dementia and age and all that comes with it - not being able to sleep in the same bed, not recognising her husband and the pain that must of caused both of them, not being able to leave her in the house alone and ultimately the horrible desicion to have to put her into a home. It broke my heart. We think our heros are somehow above the flaws of human aging but this book somehow erased those boundaries for me and showed me the human side to Babs and underneath it all, the normal old lady who battled dementia.
Thank you Scott for writing it. I have the utmost respect for you as a husband, a carer, and a man. I hope you find happiness.
April 4, 2024
A very compelling memoir, I couldn't put it down. It was heartbreaking in places and very moving. Scott and Barbara's love for each other shines throughout this book.
November 12, 2022
Just finished this lovely book a gift from my sister I’ve read many books about Barbara this book is written by her soulmate and husband Scott Mitchell beautifully written your legend Barbara missed but not forgotten
October 20, 2022
A true love story.
September 16, 2025
"I'm so glad you had the life you did, Barbara. I'm sorry you can't remember, but my God, what a life! You haven't wasted a minute of it..."
December 2020, when the UK the world was getting gripped with the news of an impending third lockdown, Scott Mitchell was visiting the care home in which his partner and wife of 27 years Dame Barbara Windsor was being looked after. At the age of 83, after a career that went seven decades and a seven-year battle with the sapping effects of dementia, she was slipping away.
Dame Barbara Windsor's illness meant she could not longer her magical career and Scott Mitchell sat by her bedside in her last final days by telling her tales from their extraordinary life and marriage together. From the unlikely moment they had met to the challenges they faced, the highs and lows of a life that was shared in the limelight. Theirs was an extremely passionate relationship but was an unstable one and along with a life of love and laughter in which they together they undergo the pressures of fame, drink, addiction, heartbreak and eventually dementia. Scott Mitchell had told Dame Barbara Windsor stories of her own wonderful achievements which were on and off the screen with the individuals who change the course of her life. From starring in nine extremely successful and much-loved Carry On films to more than twenty years being the landlady in Albert Square playing the role of Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders. From director Joan Littlewood who had handpicked her for Sparrows Can't Sing, her first husband Ronnie Knight, the links to the Kray twins, friendship/relationship to Sid James, friendship to Kenneth Williams and much more.
By weaving together an old-fashioned love story, a sparkle life of showbiz and the real true cost of dementia, By Your Side: My Life Loving Barbara Winsor is a gold store for anyone of us who had grow up watching and admiring Dame Barbara Windsor. Beginning with the madness, mayhem, glorious highs and devastating lows and the fantastic fun Dame Barbara Windsor and Scott Mitchell had along the way together. This is an close, honest and incredible personal own account of a life spent loving and caring Dame Barbara Windsor.
This is a warm, colourful and heartfelt tribute to Dame Barbara Windsor's rich, mixed and remarkable life from the man who knew her the very best.
December 2020, when the UK the world was getting gripped with the news of an impending third lockdown, Scott Mitchell was visiting the care home in which his partner and wife of 27 years Dame Barbara Windsor was being looked after. At the age of 83, after a career that went seven decades and a seven-year battle with the sapping effects of dementia, she was slipping away.
Dame Barbara Windsor's illness meant she could not longer her magical career and Scott Mitchell sat by her bedside in her last final days by telling her tales from their extraordinary life and marriage together. From the unlikely moment they had met to the challenges they faced, the highs and lows of a life that was shared in the limelight. Theirs was an extremely passionate relationship but was an unstable one and along with a life of love and laughter in which they together they undergo the pressures of fame, drink, addiction, heartbreak and eventually dementia. Scott Mitchell had told Dame Barbara Windsor stories of her own wonderful achievements which were on and off the screen with the individuals who change the course of her life. From starring in nine extremely successful and much-loved Carry On films to more than twenty years being the landlady in Albert Square playing the role of Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders. From director Joan Littlewood who had handpicked her for Sparrows Can't Sing, her first husband Ronnie Knight, the links to the Kray twins, friendship/relationship to Sid James, friendship to Kenneth Williams and much more.
By weaving together an old-fashioned love story, a sparkle life of showbiz and the real true cost of dementia, By Your Side: My Life Loving Barbara Winsor is a gold store for anyone of us who had grow up watching and admiring Dame Barbara Windsor. Beginning with the madness, mayhem, glorious highs and devastating lows and the fantastic fun Dame Barbara Windsor and Scott Mitchell had along the way together. This is an close, honest and incredible personal own account of a life spent loving and caring Dame Barbara Windsor.
This is a warm, colourful and heartfelt tribute to Dame Barbara Windsor's rich, mixed and remarkable life from the man who knew her the very best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2023
This was a really lovely tribute to Barbara from her husband. Scott told Bar's story in his own words, using his diary as a guide to help him capture the memories.
It was funny in lots of places, as she was in life. So funny and blunt! What is clear is that despite their age difference this was a couple truly in love and Scott did such a great job of being a loving husband to her. Especially in the bad times. It's sad to think Barbara died and didn't really know what was going on but that's the cruel nature of dementia. Scott gave a great story and told the absolute truth which was all she wanted after her death.
There were snippets of her past life before Scott, but most of the story was after they met and his recollections of their time together. So many famous names mentioned as you can imagine in that circle of life. And what a life. Such a shame but Scott wrote this so well I thought it was a lovely tribute and I know he wishes she could have read the story, well, no doubt she did wherever she is, I am sure she read every word.
It was funny in lots of places, as she was in life. So funny and blunt! What is clear is that despite their age difference this was a couple truly in love and Scott did such a great job of being a loving husband to her. Especially in the bad times. It's sad to think Barbara died and didn't really know what was going on but that's the cruel nature of dementia. Scott gave a great story and told the absolute truth which was all she wanted after her death.
There were snippets of her past life before Scott, but most of the story was after they met and his recollections of their time together. So many famous names mentioned as you can imagine in that circle of life. And what a life. Such a shame but Scott wrote this so well I thought it was a lovely tribute and I know he wishes she could have read the story, well, no doubt she did wherever she is, I am sure she read every word.
June 28, 2023
This is an honest and no holds barred account of Scott’s life with the national treasure that is Barbara Windsor. It’s a beautiful love story cut short way too soon by a horrible and unforgiving illness which having lived as a career for the same disease was at times hard to listen to but also full of beautiful touching moments and ultimately Scott’s love for this woman shined through. I am so proud of what she has accomplished for the Alzheimer’s charity and hope her spirit and determination along with Scott carries on the fight to find a cure for this dreadful disease. Bless both of you
March 1, 2024
An amazing, honest insight in the relationship of Dame Barbara Windsor & Scott Mitchell. It made me laugh out loud, it made me smile at reminiscing about the Carry On era and it made cry at the end. A very powerful emotional book. Famous names galore, as you would expect with Babs. I really want to read her autobiography now as there were snippets of her life before Scott and the autobiography in this one. (Autobiography is ‘All Of Me’ Barbara Windsor) #ByYourSideMyLifeLovingBarbaraWindsor #ByYourSide #MyLifeLovingBarbaraWindsor #ScottMitchell
April 3, 2023
Oh gosh this book is such a loving tribute to a wonderful lady and also an insight into the struggle of carers caring for family with Alzheimer's. What a strong kind and loving man Scott is. What a love affair, the age gap didn't matter, they kept each other going and even towards the end Barbara was still fighting, that plucky little east end bird we all knew and loved. God bless her and Thankyou Scott for sharing not only memories of Barbara but about your life and your struggle.
December 2, 2023
i dont normally read biographies or autobiographies, I actually won this book on a tombola and i like to give most books a chance. I actually found it a very moving and well written account of the lives of Barbara and Scott even as seen through Scott's perspective, The final years of Barbara's life with dementia were very sad and poignant
January 6, 2024
A good book for outlining alzheimer's patients have to suffer and the carers patience that is continually put to the test.a sad read also because it highlights the decline of a much loved British star.i usually avoid these sort of books like the plague,I like to remember the stars as they were.it started off a bit of poor me,then evolved into something a lot better.give it a try.
January 21, 2023
I don't quite have the words having just finished the book but what I will say most importantly is Barbara would have been so proud of Scott and I feel honoured to have read of their love in the way they both wanted and deserved. The book was so tough of course in places but I'm so glad
September 16, 2023
Having recently lost my Mother who had Alzheimer’s I found comfort hearing Scott’s experience. It rang true with what I went through . His love story with his “Bar” was so lovely and thank goodness they met up that one day when he went to drive her somewhere I believe .
January 10, 2026
I loved Barbara Windsor such a funny lady, this book was very funny in places but also sad. To read about her dementia was heart breaking as my nanna suffered with it for years. Another book I couldn't put down.
November 27, 2022
Omg that was such a beautiful read, u can feeling all the love and heart break
December 19, 2022
loved this..beautifully written
January 6, 2023
Loved this book Scott truly loved her
January 9, 2023
Loved this book Scott did amazing job at telling their love story and life together through the ups and downs and what an amazing spirit Barbara had , fan of Babs read this ❤️
February 7, 2023
Emotional read, beautiful worded
February 16, 2023
Barbara has always been a part of my life… and it was very moving to hear Scott tell his story and gave me a chance to say goodbye too… thank you Scott
February 23, 2023
Really good so sad as well
June 20, 2023
This is such an amazing read, the love that they had for each other was lovely.
August 29, 2023
A true love story
This is a book I couldn't put down. It was beautiful and painful and I was in tears. Dementia is absolutely disgusting and I pray a cure be found soon.
This is a book I couldn't put down. It was beautiful and painful and I was in tears. Dementia is absolutely disgusting and I pray a cure be found soon.
September 4, 2023
Beautiful book, beautiful love that they shared ❤️💙
October 15, 2023
Good honest review of their lives together, very good read & i couldn't put it down
November 28, 2023
The 2nd book this year that has reduced me to tears 😢 so very emotional 😥
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews