Past fan favourites from EastEnders are returning to the soap as the cult BBC show says farewell to stoic Albert Square resident Dot Branning. The character's funeral will air in a special episode this winter.
Actor June Brown, who played 'Dot' since July 1985, died in April this year, aged 95. She'd played the long-suffering mother of Nick Cotton who worked in the local launderette alongside fellow EastEnders mum Pauline Fowler.
Now, six former characters will return to Walford, to say a final goodbye to the soap legend. Two of those past regulars haven't been seen in the show for around 30 years.
Among those making a comeback is Lauren Branning, played by actress Jacqueline Jossa. Jacqueline played the part for eight years and since leaving the show in 2018 was named Queen of the Jungle in hit ITV reality show I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! As Dot's step-granddaughter in the soap, it was hoped she'd make a return for the show funeral.
Confirming her return, Jacqueline said: "Coming back to EastEnders for Dot's funeral was a no-brainer, and it was a real honour to be invited back. I had a lot of fun but, of course, it was bittersweet. It was amazing to be back, but hard to be filming this storyline."
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According to the Mirror, she also revealed: "I can tell the viewers now that Dot gets the beautiful send-off that she deserves. June was the light and joy of EastEnders. I had so much fun working with her, the incredible stories and how infectious and witty she was. June is a legend and I miss her very much."
Also on the list of names said to be returning are characters Colin Russell, Barry Clark, George ‘Lofty’ Holloway, Mary ‘the punk’ Smith and Disa O’Brien. Depending upon how much of a fan you are, and your age, will determine how familiar these names are to you.
Beginning with Colin Russell, this 80s character was played by Lord Michael Cashman CBE. While he returned briefly in 2016 to invite Dot to his wedding, the character has been seen since. Lord Cashman said: “When I was asked back I didn’t even hesitate because I couldn’t have imagined not being there for June, and I know Colin couldn’t have imagined not being there for Dot – they had that amazing, deep friendship that lasted during their years, and it was exactly the same with June and me.
"June was unique, and there are so many incredible stories I could tell, but amongst my favourite moments of Dot was her monologue to Jim – she was a character, and actress, that will last beyond the test of time."
Colin's ex-partner Barry is also back, and actor Gary Hailes commented: "Being invited back to the show after almost 30 years away was exciting, scary, strange, but overall it was really nice! EastEnders has always been a big part of my life so to have the opportunity to come back – there were nerves – but that quickly turned into excitement, and warmth at the chance to honour Dot.
"June was an incredibly genuine person both on and off-screen, she really cared and was attentive to people. That’s one thing I’ll never forget."
Tom Watt, who played bespectacled character Lofty Holloway, also makes a return. One of the soap's early characters, he joined the show just three episodes in. Talking about his time alongside actress June and character 'Dot', he said: "June was amazing as Dot. She completely inhabited the character: grew with her, suffered with her and faced life' s troubles with her. As soon as Dot appeared on screen, you knew June had all that history lighting up every look and every line in every single scene she was a part of."
Actress Linda Davidson also made her mark on the show with her 'punk' style. Linda played Mary, who made a brief comeback in 2019. She said: "I felt honoured to be asked to come back. It’s going to be an emotionally difficult few days, however the script is wonderful and it’s a joyful tribute to an East End legend! We were close friends for 37 years so I have quite the memory bank to choose from!
"But professionally, the highlight of my career was when Dot asked Mary to kneel and pray with her – there wasn’t a dry eye amongst all the crew! June really tutored me on the art of being still and taking my time in the scene, and was such a generous, caring actor. I loved her very much."
Finally, the six returning characters is completed with Disa. She was last on the show in 1991, and her return will stir up difficult memories for one Walford resident. Actress Jan Graveson said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be invited back to EastEnders to play Disa again and to honour the wonderful and unique character of Dot Cotton. I remember only too well of Dot and Disa’s long dramatic scenes together and how they gripped the nation.
"Her notes, her suggestions, taught me so much. I have not, as yet, felt anything close to that energy, conviction and rapport, and probably never will. Dot - and June - was an inspiration to me, a brilliant actress to work with and a beautiful heart who became a lifelong friend."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
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