EastEnders fans break down in tears as BBC soap pays tribute to June Brown after her death at 95
EASTENDERS viewers have been left in tears after the soap paid a “beautiful” tribute to June Brown following her death.
Monday night’s episode of EastEnders was dedicated to the iconic star after she passed away aged 95.
Once the credits had rolled, a black and white image of June – who played Dot Cotton in the soap – appeared on screen.
A message read: “In loving memory of June Brown OBE, MBE. 1927 – 2022.”
Fans were left misty-eyed at the tribute, which silently lingered on screen for several seconds.
One tweeted a both a crying and broken heart emoji, writing: “Seeing June Brown at the end.”
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Another penned: “Beautiful tribute to the legendary June Brown R.I.P sleep tight you beautiful angel.”
A third also added crying emojis, saying: “The tribute to June Brown at the end of tonight’s episode was a lovely touch.”
June, who appeared in 2,884 episodes of EastEnders as Dot, passed away peacefully on Sunday.
The BBC announced the news on Monday, with EastEnders hailing June as the actress behind one of the “most iconic characters”.
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An EastEnders spokesperson 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, and having appeared in 2884 episodes, June’s remarkable performances created some of EastEnders finest moments.”
June’s family said she died “very peacefully at her home in Surrey, with her family by her side”.
A statement from June’s family, read: “We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved mother, June, passed away very peacefully at her home in Surrey on Sunday evening, with her family by her side.
“We would kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
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June played chain-smoking Dot from 1985 until 2020, when her 35-year run on Albert Square ended.
The TV favourite was recently crowned the greatest soap character of all time, with Dot praised for her “indominable Great British spirit” which was “immediately identifiable” and a “testament to what a fantastic and talented actress June Brown is”.
The actress’ role as larger-than-life Dot was known for her devout Christian faith and hypochondria, as well as her endless cigarette addiction.
In 2008, she made history by becoming the first soap character to appear alone for an entire episode.
Following Monday night’s EastEnders, BBC bosses changed the TV schedule to honour June.
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The Panorama special ‘Obesity: Who Cares If I’m Bigger?’ was pulled off air and replaced with June Brown at 90: A Walford Legend.
The show was previously aired five years ago to celebrate June’s outstanding career as she marked her 90th birthday.
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