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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

EastEnders filming emotional Dot Branning funeral episode as soap legends return

EastEnders fans could be in for a treat as a load of legends from the soap are said to be coming back for Dot Branning's funeral.

Last month, it was confirmed the Albert Square gang would be getting together to say their final goodbyes to the iconic character in a 'special episode airing this winter'.

Details about the episode are largely under wraps, but a flurry of famous faces could be making a comeback - according to reports.

A source said: "There will be quite a few old faces returning for the episode.

"Without giving anything away the script is beautiful and what she [June Brown] would have wanted."

"It was an incredibly hard couple of days on set as she was so loved.

One star said to have already filmed the scene is Jacqueline Jossa, who played Lauren Branning.

According to the source, the mum-of-two was "more than happy to come back" when the Beeb approached her, reports The Sun.

The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.

Jac shared several scenes with June, who passed away in April, aged 95, and had played Dot for 30 years.

JAC Jossa is said to have already filmed her scene (BBC / Jack Barnes)

The character saw many faces come and go during her time on the square and fans are already suggesting who may be rocking up in Walford to say their goodbyes.

Dot was introduced on the show as the chain-smoking pal of Ethel Skinner and Lou Beale.

Lou was Ian Beale's grandmother, making the character (played by Adam Woodyatt) would be an ideal character to return.

Next up could be Dot's grandson, Charlie Cotton, played by Declan Bennett.

Dot and Charlie had been living together in Ireland ever since she departed London in 2020.

Max Branning, meanwhile, had became a part of Dot's family when she married Jim, Max's dad.

Jim moved to Walford following his wife Reenie's death and it didn't take him long to chase after the laundrette worker before making Dot an honest woman in 2002.

However, after being buried alive before being released by ex-wife Tanya, it's fair to say Max didn't leave Walford on the best of terms.

Actor Jake Wood, who has since gone onto star in the West End, said while he wouldn't rule out a return to the soap, he's happy exploring other avenues.

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