All-clear for Windsor

EastEnders star Barbara Windsor has finally been given the all-clear after months of illness.

The 67-year-old was forced to leave the BBC soap when she was diagnosed with the debilitating Epstein-Barr virus.

But doctors have now told her she is completely free of the disease.

Appearing on ITV1’s Paul O’Grady Show this evening, she said: “Before I sit down I’ve got some really great news. You know that Epstein-Barr – that nasty virus I had – well, I got my blood test results back yesterday and it’s gone.

“I can’t tell you how great it is. I haven’t called anyone yet about it – I wanted to tell you.”

The good news means Windsor can return to EastEnders and her role as Peggy Mitchell.

She made a brief comeback for daughter Sam’s wedding to villain Andy Hunter.

But the actress has said a full-time return is not guaranteed because she is unhappy with the direction the soap has taken lately.

“EastEnders – it’s just not been right,” she said in a recent interview. “I’m not under contract but when they sort themselves out, who knows.”