Nominated for a 1965 Featured Actress in a Musical Tony Award for her performance in "Oh, What A Lovely War!" directed by her mentor, Joan Littlewood.
She married her third husband, Scott Mitchell, at the Dorchester Hotel in London, England.
She was awarded an M.B.E. (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2000 Queen's New Years Honours List for her services to Entertainment.
The only child of John Deeks, a costermonger (fruit/vegetable street seller), and wife Rose, a dressmaker, who eventually divorced. She was trained in dance at age 6 and also took elocution lessons while young.
Underwent a hysterectomy in February 1994.
Was a very close friend of "Carry On" co-star Kenneth Williams.
Was evacuated to Blackpool during WWII, where she lived for a year before returning home to London.
Was in attendance at the funeral of her former "EastEnders" (1985) co-star Wendy Richard (9 March 2009).
Was in attendance at the wedding of her "EastEnders" (1985) co-star Samantha Womack to Mark Womack (17 May 2009).