Scott Mitchell, the widower of Dame Barbara Windsor, has confirmed he and EastEnders actress Tanya Franks have split after three years together. The couple, who went public with their relationship in 2023, have parted ways, with Mitchell stating their bond has transformed into a close friendship.
Relationship Evolves into Friendship
Speaking to The Sun, Mitchell said: '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.'
Franks, who played Rainie Cross on the BBC soap for 15 years, and Mitchell first confirmed their relationship three years after Windsor's death from Alzheimer's disease in 2020, at the age of 83.
Shared Campaign and Marathon
Following Windsor's death, Mitchell joined forces with several of her former co-stars, including Franks, to launch the campaign Babs' Army, which raises funds for Alzheimer's Research UK. The pair also ran the London marathon together, with Franks raising money in honour of her stepfather Derek, who also suffered from the same terminal disease.
In a previous interview on This Morning, the couple discussed how they keep Windsor's memory alive. Mitchell said: 'She (Barbara) will always be there and I am very fortunate to have a partner who doesn't make me feel bad about talking about my late wife or keeping this memory alive and working together, we are both equally as passionate.'
Defending New Relationship
Mitchell has previously spoken about finding love again after his wife's death, insisting that Windsor would have been supportive. During a chat with Kate Thornton on the podcast White Wine Question Time, he said: 'I would like to believe that she would be happy that someone was there by my side and that I wasn't on my own. She always used to say to me, "I never want you to be on your own".'
Hitting back at critics who suggested he moved on too quickly, Mitchell said: 'There was a bit of, "Oh he's moved on too fast". And you just think, "how dare you?" People don't know the pain. They don't know what the grief has been. I don't think anyone ever gets over a loss of someone they love so deeply. I think we find ways of carrying them with us, and that's what I try to do every day.'
Franks added: 'I can do nothing but support him in talking about it. You often feel alone in it when you are caring for someone with Alzheimers.'
