Barbara Windsor's bikini fail makes cash for dementia charity

The late star “lost” the yellow strapless top while doing vigorous exercises in an iconic scene from the 1969 film. And the bra still has the loop sewn inside the front where a fishing line was attached to ensure it flew off – into the face of Kenneth Williams. The bikini was salvaged from a bin by a member of staff during a stock clearance at London costume company Bermans & Nathans in about 1990.

The vendor, who worked there from 1987 to 1994, said: “The heads of department checked the ‘rejects’ and staff were permitted to take anything they wanted, or that they could make use of.”

The unnamed owner is now selling it with Kerry Taylor Auctions of London, with the proceeds of the sale going to the Alzheimer’s Society. Dame Barbara died of Alzheimer’s aged 83 last year. The photo of her protecting her modesty at the end of the scene was included on the order of service at her funeral.

A Kerry Taylor spokesman said the bikini was a memento of “arguably the most memorable moment of the Carry On franchise”.

The chartreuse cotton towelling bikini with strapless underwired brassiere and matching briefs is tipped to fetch £1,200 at the sale on June 15 – although it will likely go for much more.

Scott Mitchell, Dame Barbara’s husband, said: “It’s a touching tribute to Barbara to think any item associated with that famous scene will raise money to help people living with Alzheimer’s.

“I would say it was a fitting tribute – but it flew off, so it wasn’t!”