A nation mourns alongside Walford (Picture: BBC)

EastEnders has given Dot Cotton a memorable and pitch perfect send-off, with viewers flocking to social media to heap praise on the funeral episode for June Brown’s legendary character.

Fans across the nation have been left in tears while watching the moving scenes, which saw Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) supported by loved ones, friends and the Walford community as she led tributes.

Sonia had been struggling to find the right words for Dot’s eulogy, and confided to Martin Fowler (James Bye) in the launderette that she didn’t know what to say.

Many old faces returned to pay respects to Dot, including Colin Russell (Lord Michael Cashman), Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith (Linda Davidson), Lofty (Tom Watt), Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson).

Existing characters reflected on the impact Dot had had on their lives, with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) explaining to daughter Amy (Ellie Dadd) that Dot had been the one to persuade him to attend Ronnie’s funeral, and Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) became emotional over Dot’s support for her late daughter Donna.

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In the church, other friends including Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) stood up to say their piece, while Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) made a fleeting appearance to say a loving goodbye.

In a sombre episode packed with emotion and love, viewers were taken on a journey which they say has done both Dot and June proud.

Eastenders! Youâve absolutely done me ðð
âEnjoy the time weâve got, because itâs over in the blink of an eyeâ #eastenders

— Becky Brown (@xBexbabesx) December 12, 2022

I havenât watched #Eastenders for many years but couldnât miss this ð¢ great work @bbceastenders a fitting tribute to Dot ð pic.twitter.com/fGqIXf65dV

— Tanya (@Tanya_runs) December 12, 2022

EastEnders tonight was brilliant and made cry â¤ï¸â¤ï¸

— [email protected] (@Jackiewallace74) December 12, 2022

A very sad but a reflective, thought provoking episode. I loved how they seguÃ©d the tune of Abide With Me with the slow version of the Eastenders theme tune at the end.

— Tracey Franklin (@Traceywith_an_e) December 12, 2022

dot cotton really was the heart of the show and tonightâs episode proved that once again.

iâm sure june would be incredibly proud of all this and the cast ð¤

you wil never be forgotten. #Eastenders pic.twitter.com/JtQ7pQno9c

— festive faith â¤ï¸ sukeveâs pr manager (@lqvingsuki) December 12, 2022

#Eastenders ððð¢ð¢
End of an era. goodbye dot. June Brown we love you.
A beautiful send off that was so heartbreaking to watch but perfectly written. The end really broke me, Huge well done to all the casts that took part tonight.â¤ï¸
Sonia was remarkable tonight @Nat_Cassidyâ¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/lzpVCCKTf0

— yasminA ð (@yasmin_ali10) December 12, 2022

@EastEndersPress I NEVER watch Eastenders, but I just watched DOT COTTONâS funeral and really enjoyed watching the tribute send off. Thank you writers/director/cast and producers that was a lovely episode, perfect. #Eastenders #DotCotton

— Kimberley Sterling (@KimblySterling) December 12, 2022

And many were in awe of Natalie Cassidy for her fantastic performances throughout the episode.

Natalie Cassidy appreciation tweet because tonight showed us what she can do and how underrated she is ðð¼ðð¼ #eastenders pic.twitter.com/UFZrWRe2cm

— á´á´sÊá´ Êá´á´Éªsá´ | =ð¦ (@eds_afterglow) December 12, 2022

natalie cassidy is just amazing ð unreal @Nat_Cassidy @bbceastenders #eastenders

— dani (@danicraneee) December 12, 2022

Natalie cassidy is phenomenal #EastEnders

— Lucy (@Toon46965318) December 12, 2022

No but I know I’m banging on about it, but that was a masterpiece.

And all hail Natalie Cassidy, our national treasure! â¤ï¸#EastEnders

— BridgeStreetTroll (@BridgeStTroll) December 12, 2022

Beautifully moving tribute to the legend June Brown, it was stunning. Natalie Cassidy deserves all the acting credits #goodbyeDot #RipJune

— Alex Maher ðºð¦ (@Love4Pasha) December 12, 2022

In the episode which follows, everyone will reflect on Dot and her life, while Colin will get a surprise when his old flame Barry Clark, played by Gary Hailes, arrives.

And there is a spark also for Sonia herself, when she meets with Dot’s great-nephew Reiss (Jonny Freeman) and they hit it off.

MORE : EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy reveals Dot Cotton’s ‘immaculate’ funeral episode is one of the best she has ever done

MORE : Jacqueline Jossa reveals hope for the future of Lauren and the Brannings in EastEnders

The show has done Dot – and June – proud.