The soap world is in mourning following the sad death of EastEnders icon June Brown – who played Dot Cotton on the show since the early 1980s.
The beloved soap star passed away on Sunday 3rd April 2022 at the age of 95 – and fans, colleagues and close ones have united in grief and shared their fondest memories of the star.
An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed June's passing on Monday, stating: "We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE, sadly passed away last night.
"There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten.
"June created one of the most iconic characters in Dot Cotton, not just in soap but in British television, and having appeared in 2,884 episodes, June's remarkable performances created some of EastEnders' finest moments.
"We send all our love and deepest sympathies to June's family and friends. A very bright light has gone out at EastEnders today but we shall all be raising a sweet sherry in June's memory.
"Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten."
June's family said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved mother, June, passed away very peacefully at her home in Surrey on Sunday evening, with her family by her side.
"We would kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time."
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Fellow EastEnders legend Adam Woodyatt, who has played Ian Beale on the soap since 1985 was the first cast member to pay tribute to June.
Taking to Instagram, he shared a photo of the star in character and sat on a staircase.
He wrote: "I’m lost for words, something June never was. So many memories, so much fun. Just purely and simply an incredible woman who had the most incredible life and career, I was fortunate to have shared a small part of it.
"They never made you a Dame (we did try), but to me you will always be Dame Brown."
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Danny Dyer was also among the first EastEnders cast member to pay tribute to the actress, posting a photo of them together on the soap set via Instagram.
He wrote: "Rest in peace June. So privileged to have graced the screen with ya. An icon in its truest form."
Former cast member and recent Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Maisie Smith, took to Instagram Stories where she shared an adorable photograph of herself with June as a child on the set of the soap.
The actress, who played Tiffany Butcher from 2008 until this year wrote: "Beautiful inside and out. Rest in peace June Brown."
Dean Gaffney, who played Robbie Jackson on the soap from 1993 until 2019 also paid tribute via Instagram Stories, writing: "RIP you truly truly amazing legend."
Jake Wood, who played Max Branning from 2006 until 2021, shared a photo of June on set at EastEnders in an Instagram tribute of his own.
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He wrote: "RIP June. Here she is on set in her element. A true pro and Eastenders legend. Lucky to have met and worked with her, I’ll always remember her kindness and the many laughs."
Emma Barton, who has played Honey Mitchell since 2005, shared the official BBC obituary about June via her own Instagram Stories as news of the Dot Cotton actress's death spread.
Jaqueline Jossa, who played Lauren Branning from 2006 until 2018, shared a photo of herself with June and both of them in character on her Instagram page.
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She wrote: "I am so heartbroken. You will be so missed. Sharing the screen with you, a family with you, was a dream come true, something I will never ever forget.
"Most of all though, your stories, your humour and just such calming words when I needed them. You made my joining the show so welcoming.
"I will keep these memories close to my heart. Rest in peace June."
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Milly Zero, who has played June's on-screen granddaughter, Dotty Cotton, since 2019, shared a string of photos of the late actress on her Instagram page.
In a tribute of her own, Milly wrote: ""I have never met anyone who cared about their craft so deeply. An artist, a national treasure, an icon & an inspiration to us all. She will always live on in the hearts of everybody she touched. There will never be anyone quite like June.
"A huge, huge loss. Today and always my thoughts are with her family, friends & the whole team at @bbceastenders."
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Charlie Brooks, who has played EastEnders villain Janine Butcher, since 1999, shared a photo of June on a red carpet.
She wrote via Instagram: "True icon. What a character. What an actress. What a woman. You will be missed. Rest in peace June."
Kelly Bright, who plays pub landlady Linda Carter, shared a photo of June on her Instagram page.
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In her tribute, she wrote: "Darling June… what an honour it was to know you and to work with you. Your work on Eastenders was trail blazing….
"An icon, an inspiration and as big a character off screen as on. Hope my nanna has already passed you a fag. Sleep soundly dear June."
Martin Kemp, who played EastEnders villain Steve Owen from 1998 until 2002 shared that he was thinking of June following her death.
Taking to Instagram Stories he shared a photo of June in character of Dot in the EastEnders laundrette and holding a mug of tea.
Jamie Borthwick, who has played Jay Brown since 2006, also took to Instagram Stories to make his tribute.
He shared a shot of June on the sofa of The Graham Norton Show and added a caption stating: "Certainly made her mark... legend" along with a red heart emoji.
Natalie Cassidy, who has played Sonia Jackson since 1993, also paid tribute via Instagram Stories, sharing Adam Woodyatt's tribute.
She added a caption reading: "What a beautiful picture. My dear friend" along with a broken heart emoji.
Over on Twitter, Lucy Benjamin, who played Lisa Fowler on EastEnders on and off from 1998 until 2020 paid tribute to her co-star.
She wrote: "#JuneBrownRIP you talented,funny, unique,inspiring, generous woman! I shall never forget the high kicks you used to do in the make up room, putting the rest of us to shame at 7 O’clock in the morning. Good night sleep tight my darlin."
Jessie Wallace, who has played Kat Slater since 2000, shared a vintage photo of June in her youth in her own tribute that she shared via Instagram.
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She wrote: "I loved June. She was such a character and a great talent. So many story’s and she always made me laugh. June will always be a Dame in my eyes. RIP lovely lady."
Charlie Clement's played June's on-screen grandson, Bradley Branning, for four years from 2006 until 2010.
He paid tribute to June by sharing a photo of her on his Instagram page and the caption: "Goodnight Grandma Dorothy."
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Fans were also devastated by June's death and flooded social media with tributes.
One fan wrote via Twitter: "June Brown's portrayal of Dot was always endearing, sometimes heart-breaking and often thought-provoking. She will be sorely missed by all @bbceastenders fans. Sending all our love to June's family at this very sad time xx #RIPJune."
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