A Shropshire auctioneer hopes bidders will say “I do” when he sells a striking wedding dress worn by soap queen Barbara Windsor on Eastenders.

The exclusive lilac creation, with matching shoes and handbag, was worn by the actress when her character, Peggy Mitchell, finally tied the knot with on-screen husband Frank Butcher.

The nation’s favourite landlady donned the outfit in a blockbuster episode 10 years ago when she finally walked down the aisle with wayward lover Frank, played by the late Mike Reid.

The dress, which is being sold by Valentine Auctions, of Cosford Auction Rooms, in Long Lane, Cosford, is expected to generate about £3,500.

Bidders from across the UK and many collectors of TV memorabilia are among those expected to compete in the auction room on September 14.

Barbara Windsor wore the dress in the soap wedding of the year.

Millions of viewers tuned in to see the Queen Vic’s landlady tie the knot with philandering Frank.

The outfit was originally sold to a collector of television memorablia following a charity auction on ITV’s This Morning during 2000 and has remained in the hands of private collectors since then.

Today Peter Andrews, of Valentine Auctions, said: “Barbara Windsor has a huge fan base so the items are very special to many people.”

She is one of the BBC show’s biggest stars and she has been involved in many gripping storylines and several on-screen marriages.

Her latest romantic tangle involved her on-screen marriage to villainous Archie, played by veteran character actor Larry Lamb.

Interest

Mr Andrews added: “There are very few items of genuine EastEnders’ memorabilia other than a few photographs so the wedding outfit, which includes an authentic signed card from the actress, is extremely rare.

“It is bound to attract a great deal of interest from collectors and fans of the TV series,” added Mr Andrews.