LONDON ICON and lifelong beauty Dame Barbara Windsor today launched the Hackney Empire Walk of Fame.

The Carry On movie series and EastEnders actress unveiled a pavement plaque with her name on it outside the Edwardian-era venue in Mare Street on Thursday 250517.

The only other plaque in place so far commemorates Sir Oswald Stoll, the theatre’s first owner. Empire chief executive Clarie Middleton told Loving Dalston that more plaques will be added to the pavements around the theatre. They will feature actors, musicians, directors, producers, musical and theatrical leaders, arts philanthropists and other famous people from East London.

Frank Matcham, the untrained architect who built the eccentrically ornate Empire in 1901 was honoured with a wall plaque.

Dame Barbara, who is 79, said the Empire had always been part of her life. Her name on the plaque was “a wonderful tribute”. 

Ther nearby town hall has also noted the Walk of Fame as a promising tourist draw.

David Altheer 250517

* Backstory: Wannabes at the Hackney Empire 

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