EastEnders bosses will pay tribute to soap legend Barbara Windsor, 82, known for her role of Peggy Mitchell, by naming the soap's newborn after her.
The upcoming storyline will see Louise Mitchell, Peggy's niece, give birth and decide to name the new tot after Peggy, The Sun reports.
Speaking on the tribute, Barbara's husband Scott Mitchell, told the publication: "She thought what a lovely thing it is Peggy Mitchell will live on in a family member. What a lovely tribute.
"It made her quite emotional and I have been reminding her each time we watch the show every night.
"Each time her whole face lights up."
Barbara, who is bravely battling Alzheimer’s, made an emotional farewell from the BBC soap in May 2016 after joining the cast in 1994 - following her character Peggy taking her own life by swallowing pills as she battled cancer.
In her poignant last scenes, she was seen hallucinating that her late pal Pat Evans was back with her.
Pat, played by Pam St Clement , listened as Peggy poured out her heart in her bedroom, saying: “Will they ever forgive me, the kids?
"Am I going to break their hearts? I just can’t wait. I’m being eaten alive and it hurts. I don’t want that to be me, to be that little old lady in the bed being looked after.
“No, no no. I will go as I have lived. Straight back, head high, like a queen.”
She told her vision of Pat (Pam St Clement): “Oh my dear friend, you won’t ever leave me will you?” To which the vision replied, “No, sweetheart. Not for one single second.”
Barbara Windsor’s last words as Peggy were a simple, “Thank you."
Warring sons Phil ( Steve McFadden ) and Grant ( Ross Kemp ) had tried to talk her into hanging on for as long as possible.
But never one to be told what to do, Peggy was determined to go before the disease took its full toll on her mind and body.
Earlier viewers had seen how the the cancer was already causing her sharp pains, blurred vision and memory lapses. Peggy complained: “Look at the state of me. I’m like a little old bird that’s fallen out of its nest.”
Fans were left shocked as Peggy started to swallow her tablets. After the credits ran – in silence – a shot of the empty pill bottle and the letters to her children showed that she had gone through with her plan.
Believing they had talked her out of it, Phil and Grant will be devastated to discover that their beloved mum has gone. Phil told her: “I would do anything for you – I’d rip my heart out for you. But not this.”
Samaritans praised EastEnders for its “responsible handling” of the subject, which they hope will prompt people who are feeling suicidal to reach out for help.
If you're finding it difficult to cope you can contact the Samaritans , who are available around the clock, every single day of the year, on 116 123.
