IT’S a Who’s Who of EastEnders legends as the cast gathered for the funeral of Dot Cotton.
Beloved characters like Lofty Holloway, Mary “The Punk”, Disa O’Brien and gay couple Colin and Barry were spotted filming the emotional farewell following the death of veteran actress June Brown in April aged 95.
The EastEnders cast filmed an emotional farewell following the death of actress June Brown
Legends including Jacqueline Jossa gathered for the funeral of Dot Cotton
In first look images, Jacqueline Jossa is also seen back in her role as Lauren Branning.
Jacqueline, who left the BBC soap in 2018, stood solemnly at Dot’s graveside with Dotty Branning actress Milly Zero and Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney Dean.
Scott Maslen, who plays Jack Branning, scatters soil on the coffin while Patrick Trueman actor Rudolph Walker hugs Denise Parish, who is Diane Fox.
Elsewhere stars including Gillian Taylforth, Brian Conley, Natalie Cassidy and James Bye filmed their moments.
Bosses hope the return of some of Walford’s most beloved characters will create a fitting tribute to Dot and June, who portrayed her for over thirty years.
Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Over the years, Dot profoundly impacted the lives of many young people struggling with life’s biggest challenges. Her warmth, heart and compassion changed lives – so we wanted to reunite some of the people she helped the most.”
Jacqueline added: “Coming back to EastEnders for Dot’s funeral was a no-brainer, but, of course, it was bittersweet.
“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 and witty she was. June is a legend and I miss her very much.”
The special episode, which will air this winter, will bring viewers up to date on what the characters have been doing since they departed Walford.
They will also hear them share memories of Dot, who appeared on the soap from the start in 1985 to 1993, then again from 1997 to 2020.
Earlier this week, a horse-drawn hearse with Dot’s name in a floral tribute was seen being taken into the studios.
When June left the soap in 2020, her character departed Walford to live with her grandson Charlie in Ireland.
But when residents of Albert Square learn of her death, a grand funeral is organised in traditional East End style.
Her coffin was adorned with old pictures from her time on the soap
The soaps characters have created a fitting tribute to Dot and June
A horse-drawn hearse with Dot’s name in a floral tribute was seen being taken into the studios
