Barbara Windsor And The Kray Twins

So, picture this: it's the swinging sixties, London's in full swing, and Barbara Windsor, our beloved Babs, is holding court at the Mitzi Gaynor club. Now, this isn't just any club, mind you. It's a place where the who's who of London's underworld rub shoulders with the city's brightest stars. And who should walk in one evening but the Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, London's most notorious gangsters.

Now, Babs, she's no shrinking violet. She's a star, after all, and she knows it. So, when the Krays saunter in, she doesn't bat an eyelid. In fact, she's heard they're fans, so she gives them a wave and a smile. "Evening, lads," she says, like she's greeting old pals. And that, dear reader, is how Babs became acquainted with the Kray twins.

Barbara Windsor: More Than Just a Carry On

You might be wondering how our Babs, a star of the Carry On films, ended up in the same room as the Krays. Well, it's all about timing, my friend. The sixties were a time of change, and Babs was right at the heart of it. She was a star on the rise, and London was her stage.

You see, Babs wasn't just an actress. She was a personality. She had that certain something that made people sit up and take notice. And the Krays, they noticed. They were fans, and they weren't shy about showing it. They'd turn up at her shows, send her flowers, the works. Babs, she'd just laugh it off. "It's all in a day's work, love," she'd say.

Babs and the Krays: An Unlikely Friendship

Now, I'm not saying Babs and the Krays were best mates or anything. But they did have a certain... understanding. Babs knew they were bad news, but she also knew they were good for business. And Babs, she was all about business. She'd sign autographs for their mates, pose for photos, all with a smile. And the Krays, they'd make sure she was taken care of. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, if you will.

But it wasn't all fun and games. There were times when Babs had to draw the line. Like the time Ronnie Kray got a bit too handsy. Babs, she wasn't having any of it. She gave him a look that could curdle milk and said, "Not on your nelly, sunshine." And that was that. Ronnie, he knew better than to push it. Babs, she had a way about her.

Inside the Secrets of The Krays and the day they threatened to kill

The Krays: More Than Just Gangsters

Now, I know what you're thinking. "What's all this about the Krays? I thought this was about Babs." Well, hold your horses, love. I'm getting to that. You see, the Krays, they were more than just gangsters. They were legends. And like any legend, they had their own code. They respected strength, and Babs, she had that in spades.

They also had a soft spot for the theatre. They'd turn up at the Windmill, where Babs was performing, and watch the show. They'd even send Babs flowers backstage. It was all very civilized, considering. And Babs, she'd take it all in her stride. She was a professional, after all.

Babs: The Star That Shone Brightest

But let's not forget, this is Babs' story. She was the star, and she shone brighter than anyone. She had the Krays eating out of the palm of her hand. She'd make them laugh, she'd make them blush. She was Babs Windsor, and she was untouchable.

So, there you have it. The tale of Barbara Windsor and the Kray twins. It's a story of respect, of understanding, of two very different worlds colliding. And at the heart of it all, there's Babs, our Babs, the star that shone brightest.