Barbara Windsor shocked EastEnders fans today when she announced she was quitting the BBC1 soap.

Leaving: Barbara Windsor will say goodbye to Albert Square

The 72-year-old actress, who plays the nation's favourite landlady Peggy Mitchell, will call time on her life in Walford after 15 years in the role.

Windsor, who is also known to generations for her roles in the Carry On movies, said she would be sad to leave but wants to spend more time with her husband.

As Peggy, mother of bad boys Grant and Phil Mitchell, the star has been deeply involved in many of the most prominent storylines in EastEnders since joining in 1994.

In pictures: Barbara Windsor's career highs

Windsor was awarded an MBE in 1999 and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards in May this year.

She today: “EastEnders has been wonderful to me and it's no secret that it changed my life all of those years ago.

“I'll be so sad to leave Peggy behind, she's such a wonderful character to play. I have had the pleasure of working with a marvellous cast and crew and have made many lasting good friends.”

She added: “To have had the honour of showing the Queen around the set is something that will stay with me forever. I would like to thank the BBC for the incredible opportunity they gave me and above all, I must thank the wonderful viewers for their support over the years.

“I'm looking forward to the future and I suppose when all's said and done, I should spend a bit more time with my old man, as he's not getting any younger.”

In August, Windsor managed to get a sex scene between her character and her new husband Archie cut from the script after she complained it would turn viewers off.

She said: “Viewers don't want to see a woman my age kissing and being intimate. People know we're in our late sixties - I mean I'm not, I'm in my seventies - and they don't want to see that.”

Windsor has had some high-profile storyline as Peggy, who became well known for her catchphrase “Get outta my pub!” including a battle with breast cancer, and a love triangle with characters Pat Butcher and Frank Butcher and a failed marriage to crooked businessman Archie Mitchell.

Off screen Windsor married toyboy and third husband Scott Mitchell, 46, in April 2000. She will appear on screen for the last time early next year.

The BBC's controller of drama production, John Yorke, said: “To most of the British public Barbara IS EastEnders, and it's almost impossible to imagine Albert Square without her.

“For 15 years she's given her heart and soul to EastEnders - she's been a consummate professional, a national treasure and a joy to work alongside. We will all miss her hugely - both as a character, and as a friend.”

Diederick Santer, the executive producer of EastEnders, said: “Barbara has contributed so much to EastEnders over the last 15 years, plus countless episodes, and countless amazing storylines. Peggy Mitchell is a truly iconic character, and along with Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp, Barbara has made the Mitchells the premier family of British soap.

“I so much enjoy working with her - catching up with the gossip, listening to her stories, talking about the show, benefiting from her advice, and most importantly revelling in her powerful, funny, passionate performances. All of us at EastEnders - and our audience - are going to miss her hugely.”

In pictures: Barbara Windsor's career highs