EastEnders veteran June Brown, who played Dot Cotton, dies at 95

Danny Jones

She played one of Eastenders most iconic roles for more than 30 years

June Brown, best known for playing Dot Cotton on EastEnders, has sadly passed away at age 95.

The soap legend died “very peacefully” at her home on Sunday, her family said in a statement via the BBC.

June Brown, who played Dot Cotton on BBC soap EastEnders for more than 30 years, dies aged 95 https://t.co/OJtze66Cr1

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) April 4, 2022

Brown first appeared in the series in 1985, the year EastEnders was created; she was already in her late 50s when she first joined the cast. She was given an OBE last year as well an MBE for services to drama and charity back in 2008.

She stayed until 1993, returning to play the same character from 1997 until 2020 – more than three decades as one of the most iconic roles in British soap history. The chain-smoking Christian chatterbox was a beloved British archetype and is synonymous with some of the best storylines the show ever had, including Nasty Nick’s murder plot and helping close friend Ethel end her life.

A spokesperson for the show said: “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”, citing her as having created some of “some of EastEnders’ finest moments” in a staggering 2884 appearances.

Posting on social media, the programme shared their wishes with Brown’s family and friends as they paid tribute to “a very bright light gone out”, adding that they would be raising a “sweet sherry” in her honour.

3/3 … We send all our love and deepest sympathies to June’s family and friends. A very bright light has gone out at EastEnders today – we shall all be raising a sweet sherry in June’s memory. Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten.” EastEnders spokesperson https://t.co/vYF9qlkwGq

— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) April 4, 2022