The late EastEnders star June Brown was best known for her role as the legendary Dot Cotton - but it wasn't the actresses first experience on a British soap.
Yesterday, outpourings of tributes to the 95-year-old came after the BBC announced news of her death. The soap icon's family confirmed she died surrounded by her family at home in Surrey on Sunday (April 3).
Brown landed the role of Dot Cotton back in 1985 and her biggest storylines explored controversial issues such as euthanasia, cancer and homophobia, until her departure from Eastenders in 2020. Her marriage to Jim Branning, played by John Bardon, was popular among fans – while she was also mother to the notorious criminal Nick Cotton, played by John Altman.
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Dot, a devout Christian, cigarette-lover and hypochondriac, still remained one of the show's most memorable and much-loved characters. But before her time in Albert Square, June had a stint on the cobbles.
In a rare throwback clip shared in 2017, TV lovers got a glimpse of June appearing in Coronation Street 50 years ago. It was shared by the ITV soap as the veteran star celebrated her 90th birthday.
Brown had a minor role in the ITV soap in 1970 and 1971 playing the role of Mrs Parsons. To mark her landmark birthday, a short scene with Brown and on-screen son Tony Parsons (David Hill) and Weatherfield icon Ena Sharples (Violet Carson) was posted on the official Coronation Street Twitter account.
At the time, the accompanying tweet read: "Happy 90th birthday to soap legend June Brown. Before the @bbceastenders Square she graced the Street. Here's a look back to 1971. #Corrie."
Brown made three appearances as Mrs Parsons, whose son Tony received harmonium lessons from long-running character Ena. She later went on to join the cast of EastEnders shortly after it began in 1985 and made her mark on the Walford-based soap.
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At the time, Brown's long career was celebrated in a BBC One documentary entitled June Brown At 90: A Walford Legend. It saw the soap star discussing her life and career, from her early days in theatre to her famous soap role.
June announced the bombshell news of her exit from EastEnders in 2020 with little fanfare, revealing her decision on a podcast with a former co-star. Dot had not featured in the soap for a month, when she left a voicemail for Sonia Fowler saying she had moved to Ireland.
Brown won several awards for her portrayal of Dot, including a lifetime achievement honour at the 2005 British Soap Awards. In 2009, she was nominated for the best actress prize at the TV Baftas for her standalone episode of the soap.
In December 2021, Brown was made an OBE in the New Year Honours, as she was recognised for services to drama and to charity. She was previously made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2008 for services to drama and charity.
Brown married her first husband, John Garley, in 1950. After his death she married actor Robert Arnold in 1958 with whom she shared six children.
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Yesterday, an EastEnders spokeswoman said: "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."
The statement added: "Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten."
A statement from Brown's family said: "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."
What are your memories of June Brown through the years? Let us know in the comments section below.
Danny Dyer was the first EastEnders cast member to pay tribute to the actress, posting a photo of them together on the soap set on his Instagram page. He wrote: "Rest in peace June. So privileged to have graced the screen with ya. An icon in its truest form."
