Jake Wood dedicated his British Soap Award speech to Barbara Windsor.
The ‘EastEnders’ star – who plays Max Branning on the BBC soap – stood on stage to accept the soap’s win for Best Scene at the glitzy ceremony in London on Saturday (02.06.18), and made sure to send his love to the 80-year-old actress after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Jake – who was joined by his on-screen daughter Jacqueline Jossa to collect the award – said: "I want to send a big ‘EastEnders’ hug to Barbara Windsor and her husband Scott. We love you very much, thank you very much."
The soap’s win came as part of the awards’ first ever tie, as whilst ‘EastEnders’ bagged the gong for tragic roof plunge over Christmas in which Lauren and her sister Abby fell from the top of the Queen Vic, fellow BBC show ‘Doctors’ also picked up the same award.
Barbara played Peggy Mitchell on the show from 1994 until 2016, and in May this year, it was revealed by her husband Scott that she had been battling Alzheimer’s, which is the most common type of dementia, which is a decline of the brain’s ability to function.
Jake, 45, previously spoke about Barbara’s condition, explaining that she has "good and bad days".
When asked how Barbara is, Jake replied: "Ups and downs. I think good days and bad days.
"I’ve been in touch with Scott this week. He’s incredible, they’re an incredible couple. Scott has a lot of support around him.
"Obviously I wish them both really well.
"Someone told me that donations to the Alzheimer’s society have rocketed.
"I fully support their decision and totally understand it. I know they had the diagnosis in 2014.
"They’ve worked incredibly hard together to keep it as quiet and as private as they can. You’re never sure how far it’s going to develop and how quickly."
Jake Wood dedicates Soap Award win to Barbara Windsor
