EastEnders cast bid emotional farewell to popular character after devastating death

EASTENDERS will bid an emotional farewell to the iconic Dot Branning when residents of Albert Square find out she has passed away.

In a special episode airing this winter, her family and friends will come together for her funeral to say goodbye to their beloved Dot.

Dot's character was living in Ireland, but as per her wishes, her funeral will be held in Walford, the place she always called home.

As one of EastEnders' most adored character, Dot's family and friends will be giving her the send-off she really deserves.

Dot was played by June Brown, who passed away earlier this year in April.

She held the role of Dot since 1985 and in that time created one of the most loved and notable characters on television.

The actress joined the BBC soap at the age of 58 not long after it kicked off in 1985.

June Brown’s last episode as Dot aired on January 21, 2020, where viewers saw Dot leave Walford.

The final scene saw Dot discover her missing money was stolen by Martin Fowler (James Bye), but it was actually Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) who took it.

When Sonia went to tell her the truth, she realised Dot had already disappeared and left her a voice message.

June’s last words on the soap were through the answering machine, where she told Sonia: “This is to tell you I’m off to Ireland for a lovely time with my grandson Charlie."

Chris Clenshaw, the soap's executive producer, said: “Everyone at EastEnders was truly heartbroken when June passed away earlier this year and, for quite a while, no-one could even think about saying goodbye to Dot.

"An iconic character who will go down in television history and be cherished forever. "

He added: "June was always adamant that she never wanted Dot’s time to end while she was still with us, but she also knew that EastEnders would rightly say their farewells to Dot when the time was right.

"Sadly that time has come and we are determined to give the audience, who treasured Dot for so many years, the fitting tribute that she so deeply deserves. "

He continued: "So whilst it will be a very, very sad day in Walford, we will be giving Dot the send-off that she and June would want and rightly deserve.”