EastEnders has begun filming for Dot Branning's emotional funeral, as the character, also known as Dot Cotton, dies off screen in upcoming scenes.
Actress June Brown, who played the BBC soap legend for over 20 years, passed away in April this year aged 95.
Later this year, Walford will learn of Dot's death in emotional scenes, before the soap bids a heart-wrenching final farewell to the beloved character, and the beloved actress who played her.
New images from filming on location have revealed several cast members gathering for Dot's funeral.
Familiar faces are joined by past cast members, with it recently confirmed by the soap that six former residents would be back to say farewell.
Among them are two characters who have been away from Walford for around 30 years, but they like others will be back for the touching scenes.
Pictures from location show current characters Jack Branning, Kathy Beale, Dotty Cotton, Rocky, Whitney Dean, Sharon Watts, Denise Fox and Patrick Trueman all gathered around the late character's coffin.
Other characters there include Amy Mitchell, Martin Fowler, Sonia Fowler, Bobby Beale, Zack Hudson and Jean Slater - while there's also a board of photos including late residents, such as Ethel Skinner, Nick Cotton and Bradley Branning, and of course Dot's late husband Jim Branning.
Viewers will be welcoming old faces to the group though, with Colin Russell, Barry Clark, George ‘Lofty’ Holloway, Mary ‘the punk’ Smith and Disa O’Brien all back again - as well as Lauren Branning.
Lofty and Mary were both on the show for brief comebacks in 2019 to say goodbye to their dear friend Dr Legg, who passed away off screen - and they featured in scenes with Dot.
The pair were hit characters in the 80s, and some of the soap's most iconic and remembered residents - leaving fans thrilled to have them back.
Now Lofty, played by actor Tom Watt, and Mary, played by actress Linda Davidson, are back together again to say goodbye to another close friend.
Tom spoke of his comeback recently, saying: "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."
Linda added: "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."
Pictures show both stars on location, with Linda snapped beside Colin actor Lord Michael Cashman CBE, who last appeared on the show with Dot for a brief return in 2016.
Colin, the soap's first gay character, was another memorable resident in the 80s and he and then-partner Barry formed the soap's first same-sex couple, while they split later on.
He will now return to say goodbye to his good friend, with actor Michael revealing: "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."
Also pictured on location was Disa actress Jan Graveson, who has not been on the BBC soap since her exit in 1991.
Jan was pictured with Kathy actress Gillian Taylforth by Dot's coffin which remained in the hearse, while it's not yet clear if this was her return scene, or the co-stars greeting one another.
It's said Disa's return will stir up difficult memories for one Walford resident, while fans may remember she left in the early 90s after confiding in Kathy about a horrifying abuse ordeal.
Disa knew Diane Butcher and Mark Fowler, and had a baby while living rough and she left her newborn daughter in a box on the Butchers' doorstep.
Dot ended up looking after the child briefly, but it was soon revealed that Disa had been sexually abused by her stepfather, and he was the father of her child.
The actress said on her comeback recently: "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."
Another character pictured filming with current cast members is Jacqueline Jossa, who is reprising her role again as Lauren after her exit in 2018.
Lauren is in scenes with her uncle Jack, her friend Whitney and close family friends, with her being Dot's step-granddaughter.
It's not yet clear if other characters, including Lauren's dad Max Branning or Dot's grandson Charlie Cotton, will be joining the returning characters for the scenes.
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.
"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 & witty she was. June is a legend and I miss her very much."
Someone who appeared to be absent from filming was Barry actor Gary Hailes, who is also returning to the soap for the special episodes.
He recently said: "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."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
