Barbara Windsor's ex-husband Ronnie Knight has died aged 89

Ronnie Knight is dead at 89: Barbara Windsor’s ex-husband jailed for his part in £6m Security Express armed robbery after a decade on the run in Spain passes away after Parkinson’s battle

• Ronnie Knight passed away at a nursing home in Cambridgeshire on Monday

Barbara Windsor’s ex-husband Ronnie Knight has died at the age of 89. 

Knight, who had battled with Parkinson’s disease over the last few years, passed away at a nursing home in Cambridgeshire on Monday. 

His condition was said to have deteriorated recently before he reportedly contracted pneumonia. 

Knight was married to the famous actress in the 60s and 70s, when he was an east London nightclub boss who knew the notorious criminal brothers Ronald and Reginald Kray.

He denied he was a ‘gangster’ preferring instead the term ‘loveable rascal’. 

But he was jailed for his involvement in a £6million armed robbery at a Security Express depot in east London after a decade on the run in Spain.

Actress Barbara Windsor pictured with Ronnie Knight. He has passed away at the age of 89

Knight denied he was a ‘gangster’, preferring instead the term ‘loveable rascal’

Knight once said: ‘I’ve loved all the ladies in my life. But I found what I wanted with Barbara’

Actress Barbara Windsor pouring champagne for her then husband Ronnie Knight with her mother Rose

Knight was a flashy nightclub owner, who regularly rubbed shoulders with celebrities, and married to his first wife, June, when he met Barbara.

He later said: ‘I’ve loved all the ladies in my life. But I found what I wanted with Barbara.’

However he didn’t say goodbye to her when he fled to Spain, later saying she was ‘fixed on this showbusiness thing’ and he knew he would be gone for some time.

He denied he went to Spain because of the robbery, saying: ‘I just woke up that morning and thought: “I’m going.”

‘The next morning, I woke up in brilliant sunshine. A couple of years later, Barbara phoned and said: “We should get a divorce.” I said: “OK, mate.” I got the papers through and I signed them.’

He returned to Britain in 1994, citing his mother Nellie’s ailing health as the reason, and was put on trial.

He was jailed for seven years the following year and met a new partner, Diane, through a friend while he was in jail.

He credited her father with causing him to lose his money after his release and moved into a £360-a-month rented one-bedroom flat living on a state pension.

More to follow. 

Knight was jailed for his involvement in a £6million armed robbery at a Security Express depot in east London after a decade on the run in Spain

Reggie Kray, right, at a film premiere with Barbara Windsor and her husband Ronnie Knight, circa 1969

Barbara Windsor and Ronnie Knight pictured at the New Standard Film Awards

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