EastEnders have given fans an insight into the emotional filming of Dot Branning's funeral.
A string of actors past and present came together for the special episode, including former characters such as Colin Russell, Mary Smith, Lofty Holloway, Disa O’Brien and Barry Clark as well as current stars Natalie Cassidy and Shona McGarty, who play Natalie Cassidy and Whitney Dean. Jacqueline Jossa, who plays Lauren Branning, also made a return for the one off episode.
There wasn't a dry house as Dot - played by the late June Brown - made her final journey through Walford with those she loved around her. June's own children also featured in the heartbreaking scenes.
Speaking about the emotional scenes, Natalie said: "We're saying goodbye to Dot the character but in a way, we're saying goodbye to June also," whilst Shona added: "It's been quite emotional because obviously, as a cast, we never really got to say goodbye.'"
Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale, also spoke of the momentous occasion as the cast bid farewell to June and Dot, adding: "Not only is June not with us anymore, but now Dot is not part of the company anymore and it's... It's very sad to know."
Jacqueline Jossa described the day as "bittersweet" as she returned to see her colleagues, but was reuniting with them for a sad event whilst Brian Conley, who starred as Tom Cotton, was glad to see Dot "getting a proper send-off".
Earlier this year, the soap's executive producer, Chris Clenshaw, paid tribute to June and her character as he promised the funeral would be a special moment for all as they paid tribute to her memory.
"Everyone at EastEnders was truly heartbroken when June passed away earlier this year and, for quite a while, no-one could even think about saying goodbye to Dot; an iconic character who will go down in television history and be cherished forever," he said.
"June was always adamant that she never wanted Dot’s time to end while she was still with us, but she also knew that EastEnders would rightly say their farewells to Dot when the time was right. Sadly that time has come and we are determined to give the audience, who treasured Dot for so many years, the fitting tribute that she so deeply deserves. So whilst it will be a very, very sad day in Walford, we will be giving Dot the send-off that she and June would want and rightly deserve."
The emotional scenes, which aired last night, had fans in tears as they bid goodbye to Dot.
