Several EastEnders stars are set to reprise their roles to give Walford legend Dot Cotton the send-off she deserves.
Familiar faces from years gone by will return to Albert Square in upcoming scenes as Dot’s character passes away off-screen after first being introduced to the BBC soap back in 1985. The goodbye scenes will be a loving tribute after actress June Brown died in April, aged 95.
Six past characters have been confirmed to be making a comeback for the funeral scenes, including Lauren Branning actress Jacqueline Jossa, The Mirror reports . Speaking of her return to the soap, Jacqueline said: “Coming back to EastEnders for Dot's funeral was a no-brainer, and it was a real honour to be invited back.
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“I had a lot of fun but, of course, it was bittersweet,” she added. “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.”
As well as Lauren Branning, long-time EastEnders viewers will recognise some other faces as they return to Walford to bid farewell to Dot. Colin Russell, Barry Clark, George ‘Lofty’ Holloway, Mary ‘the punk’ Smith and Disa O’Brien are all characters who will turn up for the special scenes.
Lord Michael Cashman CBE, who plays Colin, said of his return: “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.”
Linda Davidson, who will be reprising her role as Mary, 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!”
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.”
Barry’s actor Gary Hailes, who last appeared on the show in 1989, 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.”
Actress Jan Graveson, whose character Disa was last seen in Walford in 1991, said of June: “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.”
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