Dot Cotton is set to be honoured in an EastEnders funeral episode (Picture: Getty Images)
EastEnders is set to pay tribute to Walford legend Dot Cotton in an upcoming episode, following the death of iconic actress June Brown OBE, MBE earlier this year.
June, who first appeared as Dot in 1985, passed away at her home in April at the age of 95 – and a few months later the team at EastEnders confirmed that there would be a ‘special episode’ to allow fans to say a final farewell to the character.
The episode, which will see Dot laid to rest, is set to bring back some faces from the past, and is likely to be emotional viewing.
But when is it set to be shown? Here’s what we know…
When is Dot Cotton’s funeral airing in EastEnders?
At the moment, there’s no confirmed date for when Dot Cotton’s funeral episode will be aired – although it’s likely to be screened in the coming months.
Filming has been underway on the episode recently, with the first pictures emerging, showing a carriage arriving at the studio where EastEnders is filmed – accompanied by flowers spelling out ‘Dot’.
Cast members including Tony Clay and Jamie Borthwick, who play Callum Highway and Jay Brown respectively, have also been spotted on set.
Dot was a part of the show for 35 years (Picture: BBC)
Speaking to Metro.co.uk in August, new producer Chris Clenshaw said: ‘We’re going to say a very sad farewell to one of the most iconic characters to have graced our screen, not just on EastEnders, but on British television.’
‘It’s not a story that any of us wanted to think of or do, but under the circumstances we’ve been working on a story where we will say a final farewell to Dot.
‘We lost June earlier this year and what it will be is a fitting tribute to both June and Dot. We are working on it as we speak and it will be exactly what June deserves and I think what the audience deserves.’
The character was in EastEnders on and off for 35 years, with her final scenes airing in January 2020.
The character moved to Ireland after a showdown with Martin and Sonia, and she came to believe that Martin had stolen money from her – although he was actually covering for Sonia.
Dot departed soon afterwards, but her voice was later heard on a recording, as she left Sonia a special message, telling her that she loves her very much.
Who is returning for Dot Cotton’s funeral?
Lofty Holloway and Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith are among characters returning for the funeral (Picture: BBC)
It’s been confirmed that six former cast members will be returning to Walford to pay their final respects to Dot.
They include Lofty Holloway (Tom Watt) and Mary ‘the punk’ Smith (Linda Davidson) – who previously returned for Dr Legg’s funeral in 2019 – while Colin Russell (Lord Michael Cashman) and his former partner Barry Clark (Gary Hailes) will also make an appearance.
Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson), who was cared for by Dot during her one-year stint in EastEnders back in 1991, will return for the first time in over 30 years, as will Dot’s very own step-granddaughter Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).
Colin Russell and Gary Clarke are also set to put in an appearance (Picture: BBC)
‘It’s an honour to invite so many of Walford’s beloved characters back to pay tribute to Dot,’ 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.
‘I’m thrilled these talented and generous actors wanted to share this special experience with us so we can give Dot a fitting send-off.’
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It’s going to be an emotional send-off.