The Eastenders characters will be in mourning from tomorrow evening, when it is revealed Dot Cotton has passed away.
In tomorrow's episode, Sonia Fowler receives a devastating phone call revealing Dot has died, and is tasked with planning her funeral.
June Brown died in April, aged 95, but her character was yet to be written out of the BBC soap.
In July this year, Sonia, played by Natalie Cassidy, recreated Dot’s first-ever scene which aired on July 4, 1985, by rushing into the cafe and asking for water to take a paracetamol, in tribute to the late star.
Actors including Jacqueline Jossa and Tom Watt have returned to Walford to film her funeral scenes.
The 29-year-old actress and the 66-year-old radio presenter reprised their roles as Dot’s step-granddaughter Lauren Branning and George ‘Lofty’ Holloway to pay their respects to the character.
Other stars returning include Lord Michael Cashman (Colin Russell), Gary Hailes who played Barry Clark, Linda Davidson who starred as Mary ‘the punk’ Smith, and Jan Graveson, whose character Disa O’Brien returns.
EastEnders ’ Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw has said: “It’s an honour to invite so many of Walford’s beloved characters back to pay tribute to Dot.
“Over the years, Dot profoundly impacted the lives of many young people struggling with life’s biggest challenges.
“Her warmth, heart and compassion changed lives – so we wanted to reunite some of the people she helped the most. I’m thrilled these talented and generous actors wanted to share this special experience with us so we can give Dot a fitting send-off.”
I’m A Celeb winner 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.
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“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 and witty she was. June is a legend and I miss her very much.”
Lord Cashman - who previously returned in 2016 to invite Dot to his wedding 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.”
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