EastEnders is welcoming six familiar faces back to Walford, as the soap bids farewell to Dot Branning.
The character will pass away off screen in upcoming scenes, with Albert Square gathering to say a final goodbye to the soap legend.
It comes after actress June Brown died in April this year, aged 95.
Past characters will be making a comeback, two of which have not been in Walford for around 30 years.
Heading back to Walford is Lauren Branning actress Jacqueline Jossa, with Lauren being Dot's step-grandmother - while it's been teased Lauren will be keen to get to know a handsome resident.
Confirming her return, Jacqueline spilled: "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."
Joining Lauren back in Walford are Colin Russell, Barry Clark, George ‘Lofty’ Holloway, Mary ‘the punk’ Smith and Disa O’Brien.
Colin, played by Lord Michael Cashman CBE, actually returned briefly in 2016 to invite Dot to his wedding, in a plot that challenged Dot’s beliefs about same-sex marriage.
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."
Mary actress Linda Davidson, who made a brief comeback in 2019, 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."
Linda's co-star Tom Watt, who plays Lofty, added: "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."
Finally, Disa hasn't been on screen since 1991, and her return will stir up difficult memories for one Walford resident.
Actress Jan Graveson said of her comeback: "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."
Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said of the returns: "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.”
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
