'EastEnders' will say a special goodbye to June Brown's Dot Branning later this year.
June Brown as Dot Branning
The 95-year-old actress passed away in April and though her character, who was also known as Dot Cotton, left Walford in 2020 after 35 years on Albert Square, bosses have planned an off-screen death for her alter ego, with her former neighbours then coming together for her funeral.
Dot had been living in Ireland but wanted her funeral to take place in her beloved Walford, and soap bosses have promised the scenes will be a "deserving" tribute to both the character and the beloved actress.
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, said: “Everyone at 'EastEnders' was truly heartbroken when June passed away earlier this year and, for quite a while, no-one could even think about saying goodbye to Dot; an iconic character who will go down in television history and be cherished forever.
"June was always adamant that she never wanted Dot’s time to end while she was still with us, but she also knew that 'EastEnders' would rightly say their farewells to Dot when the time was right.
"Sadly that time has come and we are determined to give the audience, who treasured Dot for so many years, the fitting tribute that she so deeply deserves. So whilst it will be a very, very sad day in Walford, we will be giving Dot the send-off that she and June would want and rightly deserve.”
Following the news of the veteran soap star's death earlier this year, 'EastEnders' bosses paid a touching tribute.
A spokesperson said at the time: "June created one of the most iconic characters in Dot Cotton, not just in soap but in British television, and having appeared in 2,884 episodes, June's remarkable performances created some of 'EastEnders' finest moments. We send all our love and deepest sympathies to June's family and friends.
"There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at 'EastEnders', her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten. A very bright light has gone out at 'EastEnders' today but we shall all be raising a sweet sherry in June's memory. Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten."
The episode will air towards the end of this year.
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