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By Your Side
- My Life Loving Barbara Windsor
- Narrated by: Scott Mitchell
- Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins
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By Your Side
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Summary
'I'm so glad you had the life you did, Barbara. I'm sorry you can't remember, but my God, what a life! You haven't wasted a minute of it....'
In December 2020, while the world was gripped with news of an imminent third lockdown, Scott Mitchell was visiting the care home where his partner and wife of 27 years—Dame Barbara Windsor—was being looked after. At the age of 83, after a career spanning seven decades and a seven-year battle with the debilitating effects of dementia, she was slipping away.
Barbara's illness meant she could no longer remember her magical career, and so Scott sat by her bedside in her final days, telling her tales from their extraordinary life together. From the unlikely moment they met to the challenges they faced, and the highs and lows of a life shared in the limelight. For theirs was an incredibly passionate relationship, but also a turbulent one—and along with a life of love and laughter, together they endured the pressures of fame, drink and addiction, heartbreak and ultimately dementia. He told Barbara stories of her wonderful achievements on and off screen, and the people who altered the trajectory of her life. From nine enormously successful and much-loved Carry On films to more than 20 years in Albert Square with the role of Peggy Mitchell. From director Joan Littlewood handpicking her for Sparrows Can't Sing and her first husband, Ronnie Knight, and his links to the Kray twins, to her friendships with Sid James, Kenneth Williams and more.
Weaving together an old-fashioned love story, a glittering life of showbiz and the true cost of dementia, By Your Side is a treasure trove for all of us who grew up watching and loving Dame Barbara. From the madness and the mayhem, the glorious highs and the devastating lows, to the fantastic fun she and Scott had along the way—this is an intimate, honest and incredibly personal account of a life spent loving Babs; a warm, colourful and heartfelt celebration of her rich, varied and remarkable life from the man who knew her best.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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What listeners say about By Your Side
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- Mrs A.
- 27-07-23
emotional, honest and heart warming
what a wonderful story, and read so beautifully. wonderful love story, where age doesn't matter. through tears of joy and sadness
can relate to a lot of this subject as my mother had dementia, so much in common, especially the feisty side !
great book, highly recommend
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- Sigrin
- 18-11-23
Momentous tribute
This book is just beautifully put together as a tribute to a national treasure.
Scott’s feelings and love for Barbara are palpable in every word, and to hear him narrate his words was the icing on the cake.
Scott, you were by her side, in more ways than one and you have held her legacy high.
But, as you quoted the words that Barbara said to you. You have now grieved and mourned her and you will forever hold her dear, but now it’s time for you to move on with your life.
Good luck and thank you for this candid book of your life with Dame Barbara Windsor.
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- Amy wassell
- 01-01-24
Outstanding and heartbreaking
An honest story at the devastating effects of such a cruel and illness. Also a real love story ❤️
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- Amazon Customer
- 30-10-22
A heartbreaking, honest tribute to a legend!
Although sometimes difficult to listen to, the love between Scott and Barbara shines through! Barbara, like so many of us now, saw what a wonderful man Scott is.
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- Mary Wells
- 13-05-24
Scott’s voice
This was a love story like no other. I couldn’t wait until bedtime came around to listen to Scott reading about the incredible life he and Barbara enjoyed together with all the highs and lows, This book is an absolute must for anyone caring for a loved one whether dealing with dementia or not. Scott, you are one amazing person and you and Barbara were indeed very lucky to have had each other. One day this horrible illness will be beaten. God bless.
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- shehaz
- 06-11-22
heart breaking
what can I say simply well written and a beautiful heartfelt thank tribute to a much loved actress and performer.
well done Scott!
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- Anonymous User
- 06-12-22
very moving listen
what a fantastic listen bought it after hearing Scott's interview on janey lee grace podcast, great insight into scott and Barbara's life together and careers . it's very moving brings you to tears in places . Scott narrated it wonderfully and its must of been very difficult for him to do this . i also enjoyed the part describing Scott's battle with addictions and how he got over them. scott is a dedicated brave and courageous man whos done lots to raise money and the profile of the awful disease alzheimers. Best wishes for the future scott your a top man 👍
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- AnnGale
- 07-11-22
Heartwarming and agonisingly truthful.
Thank you Scott for sharing yours and Dame Barbara,s love story. A beautiful book and a stunning tribute to your beloved wife. I highly recommend this book …my sincere regards to you. From Ann.
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- SallyJ
- 04-06-23
Brilliant Narration , I enjoyed .
I really enjoyed listening to this book .
An interesting story albeit very sad and moving towards the end .
Scott Mitchell is brilliant narrator of his own story but I also think he definitely has a voice for audiobooks and I’d love him to narrate some fiction books going forward.
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- Mrs.donoghue
- 17-07-23
Wonderful True Love
Scott you have done Barbara proud with this audio book so lovely told your voice was amazing moving and so natural.Well Done to you for what you have done for this awful disease.
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