The news of June Brown’s death has seen an outpouring of tributes from her EastEnders co-stars.
June‘s co stars, including Gillian Taylforth and Adam Woodyatt – who have been on the soap since day one – shared their sadness over the loss of the soap legend, who passed away yesterday aged 95.
Gillian, who plays Kathy Beale, said: “I’m truly heartbroken by this news. June Brown OBE, MBE, was an amazing woman and a truly wonderful actress. I shared many scenes with her over the years and she was always someone I looked up to and learnt from.”
Adam, who played Ian Beale, added: “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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John Altman, who played her son ‘Nasty Nick’, paid an emotional tribute. “I shall miss my dear, dear friend. A legendary lady, a wonderful soul.”
He continued: “On the plus side we spent some very happy times together and over the last few months when she hasn’t been so well I have been to visit her on quite a few occasions. Like with my real mother, we got to say our goodbyes. I knew it was coming.
John added: “She was fantastic to work with. Very giving…she would give me little tips now and again… we would make that point of meeting in her dressing room in the days when I used to smoke for a ciggy and a coffee…we were a good team.”
Davood Ghadami, who plays Kush Kazeemi in the show, posed on twitter: “Super-professional. Always brilliant. True legend. RIP June”
Danny Boy Hatchard, who played Lee Carter, recalled one hilarious exchange with the late legend.
He wrote on twitter: “Me: Alright June!
“June: Who’s that, come closer, me eyes are gone!
“Me: It’s Danny-Boy!
“June: Oh Danny-Boy, I’ve been meaning to tell you. You look much fatter on Tele dear.
“What an honour to have known and worked with such an Icon. Rest easy wonderful Lady.”
A BBC spokesperson 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 2884 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.”
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Her family also released a statement hours after her passing.
The statement read: “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”
