First look at Dot Cotton’s EastEnders funeral ahead of Jacqueline Jossa’s return to soap
WALFORD residents will be paying their respects to Albert Square legend Dot Cotton in scenes due to air this winter.
Filming of the EastEnders tribute began last week as revealed by recent shots and soap bosses are aiming big.
The Square stalwart moved away to start afresh in Ireland, alongside her grandson Charlie in January, 2020.
But news of her death will soon get back to her family in the Square, months after actress June Brown breathed her last aged 95 in April, 2022.
The long-running BBC One drama will wave a final goodbye to the legendary actress with a special, tear-jerking episode "airing this winter."
Residents that were familiar with the soap icon will be paying their respects during her funeral, which will be held in Walford, according to her wishes.
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The filming of the emotional scenes remained a secret until today (Monday, October 3, 2022), following the leak of several photos from the Elstree set.
Pictures show a carriage and horses being prepared to move on to Albert Square for Dot's funeral.
A floral tribute spelling out the character's name was also put up before being immediately covered up to keep the mystery alive.
But what kind of drama lies ahead?
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According to a source speaking to The Sun, many familiar faces will be among those paying Dot (and June Brown) their respects.
"EastEnders bosses are pulling out all the stops to show just how much June was loved by the cast and crew", the source said.
"She was a huge part of EastEnders and her legacy will live on in Albert Square forever. She will never be forgotten.";
"Without giving anything away the script is beautiful and what she would have wanted."
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"It was an incredibly hard couple of days on set as she was so loved."
"But everyone was determined to give June and Dot the send off she deserved."
The source then promised: "There will be quite a few old faces returning for the episode."
The first of these is none other than Jacqueline Jossa aka Lauren Branning.
"Bosses got in touch with Jacq about returning for Dot’s special episode and she was more than happy to come back", the source asserted.
"She was back last week filming her little guest stint."
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What should viewers expect from Dot's funeral?
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.
