June Brown’s EastEnders co-stars campaigned to make her a dame before death age 95, says Adam Woodyatt

EASTENDERS' Adam Woodyatt has revealed June Brown's soap co-stars tried to get her a damehood before her death.

The iconic actress, who famously played chain-smoking Dot Cotton, died at her home last night aged 95.

Paying tribute to her today, Ian Beale actor Adam said: "I’m lost for words, something June never was. So many memories, so much fun. Just purely and simply an incredible woman who had the most incredible life and career, I was fortunate to have shared a small part of it."

Revealing how he'd wanted June, who was an OBE, to be made a dame, he continued: "They never made you a Dame (we did try), but to me you will always be Dame Brown."

June was made an MBE for services to drama and charity at Buckingham Palace in 2008.

She proudly showed off her honour outside the royal household after the ceremony.

And she was included in the 2022 New Year's honours list to be made an OBE.

The BBC announced the icon's tragic death this afternoon - as EastEnders hailed her the actress behind one of the "most iconic characters."

A spokesperson for the soap 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."

They added: "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 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."

June played chain-smoking Dot from 1985 until 2020, when her 35-year run on Albert Square ended.

And the TV favourite was recently crowned the greatest soap character of all time.

Read our June Brown blog here

Brown's 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.

The veteran actress, who had a long career in television and theatre, arrived on Albert Square shortly after the soap began in 1985.

And aside from a break between 1993 and 1997, was a regular for more than three decades.