Dot was laid to rest in touching scenes (Picture: BBC)

TV icon Dot Cotton (June Brown) got the send-off she deserves, with EastEnders paying tribute to her with a special extended episode.

News of the legend’s death made its way to the Square earlier this month when Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) received a call from Ireland, notifying her that Dot has died.

Sonia wasted little time in honouring her beloved grandma, as she worked alongside her fellow loved ones and neighbours to give Dot the funeral service she would’ve loved.

Paying tribute to a legend like Dot – and actress June, who died at the age of 95 in April – was likely no easy feat for the team at EastEnders, but what they accomplished was nothing short of glorious.

Monday’s (December 12) edition of the BBC One soap saw Walford’s finest, both past and present, come together to see Dot off, and it’s everything you could have possibly wanted and more.

If you’ve quite finished wiping away all of the tears from your eyes (we haven’t), then feel free to join us as we look back at the historic episode, taking a look at all of the heartbreakingly beautiful moments from Dot’s goodbye outing.

Hearing Dot’s voice one last time

A touching tribute to a TV legend (Picture: BBC)

EastEnders viewers were treated to hearing Dot’s voice once again, as Sonia listened to the tape that her grandma had recorded for beloved husband Jim back in 2008, after he suffered a stroke.

The tape was the basis of the legendary one-hander episode, for which June was nominated for a BAFTA.

Martin reflecting on memories

Martin Fowler shared his memories of Dot with daughter Hope, as he pointed the icon out in a photograph, which also featured the likes of his own mum Pauline and their best friend Ethel, as well as the legendary Lou Beale – Martin’s gran.

Our hearts are full.

Colin’s return

Colin staged a comeback to honour Dot (Picture: BBC)

When it comes to history-making, there are few who broke as many barriers as Colin Russell did during the eighties, when the character – who was the soap’s first ever gay regular – made his debut in the show.

All these years later, to see him back in Walford was an utter joy, as he reunited with Sharon Watts before saying goodbye to Dot.

Disa’s comeback

Disa was among those who returned to pay their respects (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)

Disa, as many fans will recall, appeared in EastEnders for a matter of months at most, with sporadic appearances in 1990 leading to a short stint the following year.

But despite her little time in the Square, Disa touched the heart of Dot, who went out of her way to look after her – much like she did many a young person during her almost four-decade run in the soap.

Disa returning to pay tribute to Dot for all that she did was a beautiful touch, and we’re so delighted to have had the opportunity to see her back in the Square – and we hope little Jasmine is doing well too!

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Ian Beale returns!

Ian, who was last seen almost two years ago, made a surprise appearance during the episode, which rendered us speechless.

Hiding in the bushes, Ian watched as Dot’s coffin was taken into the church, staying out of sight from his former neighbours and loved ones. 

‘Goodbye Dot’, he said, struggling to hold back tears. ‘I’ll miss you’.

Lofty being Lofty

Lofty made quite an entrance (Picture: BBC)

Lofty also made a comeback for Dot’s funeral, and he couldn’t have been more Lofty if he tried, as he arrived at the church after the service had commenced, taking his inhaler before pulling up a pew beside Sharon, Mary and Colin, explaining that he had accidentally went to the wrong church!

Oh Lofty, never change!

Sonia’s touching eulogy

Sonia had struggled to find the words when writing a eulogy, but she ultimately took Martin’s advice and decided to speak from the heart, explaining that this is exactly where Dot lives now – in her heart.

We’re sobbing.

Everyone reflecting on fond memories of Dot

Dot’s loved ones spoke about how loved she was (Picture: BBC)

When Sonia struggled to finish her sentiment, Sharon intervened, standing in the church to speak about her fond memories of Dot, adding that she spoke to her nearly ever day.

Martin followed, as did Lofty, Mary, Colin, Disa, Jack, Whitney and Lauren, as they all reflected on just how much Dot meant to them, highlighting her duty of care to those who came into her life, and how we’ll never see anyone else like her again.

Dot is laid to rest – beside good friend Ethel

After the funeral service, Dot was lowered into her final place of rest with her loved ones gathered near, and it soon became apparent that she’d been buried next to Ethel’s grave, which Kathy found incredibly touching.

Ethel and Dot, who were the subject of a special two hander episode in 1987, were one of the TV’s most iconic double acts, and this ending feels incredibly fitting, given how much they cared for one another.

Dot’s theme

EastEnders paid tribute to Dot and actress June not only via its narrative, but also through its music, with a very special version of the signature theme tune having been composed in her honour – just like Pat and Peggy before her.

EastEnders continues Tuesday December 13 at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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A truly heartbreaking outing of the BBC One soap, but one that will go down in history.