Barbara Windsor thinks younger members of the 'EastEnders' cast need a "masterclass" in professionalism.

Barbara Windsor

Barbara Windsor

The veteran soap star - who has played Peggy Mitchell on and off in the BBC One soap for two decades - has slammed the young stars of the show for their tendency to be late and waste time playing on their phones instead of learning their lines.

Barbara - who previously fell out with Kat Moon actress Jessie Wallace for similar reasons - said: "I like things to be right.

"It's common knowledge I fell out with Jessie because she was late sometimes. But everybody was late or talking on their mobiles.

"I don't like that but it's a generational thing. It's difficult. If they are not taught it, then it's not there.

"A lot of young stars haven't had to work their way up. June Brown, who plays Dot Cotton, says I should provide a masterclass for those starting out."

Despite her criticisms, the 77-year-old actress insisted she's still a fan of the show, and has a soft spot for Danny Dyer, who plays Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter.

She told Yours magazine: "They call me and ask me every so often, which is lovely. I love the show.

"It's wonderful it's doing so well. They've taken risks and it's paid off.

"To take an actor like Danny Dyer, for instance - a good actor but one with a bit of a reputation - and put him in a place where, as Mick Carter, he has to push himself.

"He's created this wonderful character. Mick's just so nice and has a real Fifties feel about him."