EastEnders star June Brown – who played Dot Cotton for 35 years – has died.
She was aged 95.
Ms Brown played in 2,884 episodes of the long running BBC soap.
An EastEnders spokeswoman said:
“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE, sadly passed away last night.
“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.
“June’s remarkable performances created some of EastEnders’ finest moments.
“We send all our love and deepest sympathies to June’s family and friends.
“A very bright light has gone out at EastEnders today, but we shall all be raising a sweet sherry in June’s memory.
“Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten.”
A statement from Ms Brown’s family said:
“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.”
The irascible chain-smoking character Dot was known for her devout Christian faith and hypochondria.
She joined Albert Square in 1985.
She left the show in 2020.
In December 2021 Brown was made an OBE in the New Year Honours for services to drama and to charity.
