'EastEnders' stars wish Barbara Windsor a happy 83rd birthday

Ross Kemp was among the EastEnders stars to express their love for Dame Barbara Windsor as the soap legend turned 83.

The actress – best known for playing EastEnders’ pub landlady Peggy Mitchell - reached the milestone this week, days after it was reported that she had moved into a care home as she continues to battle Alzheimer's.

Read more: Barbara Windsor makes rare TV appearance

Kemp, who played her son Grant in the BBC soap, has remained close to the actress and her husband Scott Mitchell and has previously said it has been “deeply upsetting” to see his friend’s condition deteriorate following her diagnosis six years ago.

Sharing a photo on Twitter of him and the star together, he wrote: “Wishing my dear friend Dame Barbara a very Happy Birthday.

“Lots of love to you Bar xx.”

Lacey Turner, best known for playing Walford’s Stacey Slater, posted a picture on Instagram showing her and Dame Barbara smiling together.

“Happy birthday to this Wonder Woman,” she wrote.

“Hope your day is as beautiful as you.”

Tamzin Outhwaite – who starred as Mel Owen – tweeted: “Happy birthday to gorgeous Barbara Windsor ... and sending so much love to Scott.”

Read more: Dame Barbara Windsor asks Boris Johnson to help dementia patients

Dame Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014.

Earlier this year, her husband said the star may have to go into care as her condition worsened.

Mitchell, who the actress has been married to for 20 years, said having his wife go into care was something he had “always feared” but that he knew it would probably have to happen.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Dame Barbara has now moved into a full-time, residential care home.