Barbara Windsor’s EastEnders co-star Dean Gaffney ‘turned away from funeral’

EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney was reportedly turned away from Barbara Windsor 's funeral on Friday in North London.

The TV star, 42, is said to have arrived at the funeral of one of the nation's best loved stars only to find he couldn't enter the service due to Covid restrictions.

Current coronavirus restrictions that are in place for the whole of the UK mean than no more than 30 mourners can attend a funeral.

The rule is part of a string of social distancing measures which hope to reduce the spread of the virus as Covid related deaths soar.

Dean, who played Robbie Fowler in the hit BBC soap, was photographed looking smart in a dark suit and brown tie while standing outside the venue.

The Sun claim he was unable to gain access and sadly had to pay his respects outside.

Dean was one of the main stars in Albert Square from 1993 until 2003.

In 2017 the actor retuned to the show before leaving two years later.

The funeral was a star-studded affair with Christopher Biggins, Ross Kemp and Britain's Got Talent's David Walliams all being seen at Golders Green Crematorium on Friday.

In a statement to PA, Dame Barbara's husband Scott Mitchell referenced the tight restrictions placed on funerals before sharing the order of service.

Mitchell said: "As Covid has denied so many of Barbara's family, friends and fans a chance to say farewell properly, I wanted to share the order of service to let people be a small part of it.

"I would again like to thank my family, friends, the media and the public for their incredible support and well wishes since Barbara's passing."

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Dame Barbara died on December 10 last year after battling with Alzheimer's disease, aged 83.

In her final years, the legendary actress used her platform to help bring awareness to the degenerative disease – even meeting Prime Minster Boris Johnson in the garden of Number 10 to talk over how care can be improved.

Mitchell is said to be stunned after fans have donated a staggering £100,000 to Alzheimer's charity fundraiser he set up just five days ago in memory of his late wife.

Reports claim that over £80,000 has been donated from bingo giant JackpotJoy who Barbara worked with.

  • Eastenders
  • Barbara Windsor

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