PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Iconic EastEnders stars return to Walford for Dot Cotton’s funeral as they film sombre scenes following actress June Brown’s death… so how many do YOU recognise?
- Bosses revealed on Tuesday that six former cast members would be returning to the soap to film a special tribute episode marking Dot’s funeral
- The chain-smoking gossip was killed off following the death of actress June Brown in April
- Completing the line-up of returning actors are Colin Russell (Lord Michael Cashman CBE), Barry Clark (Gary Hailes) , Mary ‘the punk’ Smith (Linda Davidson) and Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson)
EastEnders veterans have turned out in force for Dot Cotton’s funeral , with a slew of former cast members seen filming the emotional scenes on Wednesday.
The huge turnout was led by Jacqueline Jossa who was seen on set for the first time as she reprised her role of Lauren Branning, following her departure in 2018, along with returning characters ‘Lofty’ Holloway (Tom Watt), Colin Russell (Lord Michael Cashman CBE), Barry Clark (Gary Hailes) , Mary ‘the punk’ Smith (Linda Davidson) and Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson).
The actress, 29, was also joined by veteran EastEnders stars, Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts and Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale, as much of the soap’s cast were in attendance for Dot’s final farewell.
On set: EastEnders veterans Jacqueline Jossa (far left), Linda Davidson (centre), and Tom Watt (far right) were among the stars seen filming Dot Cotton’s funeral scenes on Wednesday, being among six former stars returning for the tribute episode
Jac, who stars as Dot’s grand-daughter Lauren, previously said it was a ‘no-brainer’ to return to Albert Square for the legend’s send off, and she donned a long fur coat with heart-printed tights and heeled leather boots.
Jan Grievson, who played Disa O’Brien on EastEnders during the early 1990s, was also seen arriving on set for filming along with Linda Davidson, who played Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith.
Lord Michael Cashman joined Linda to film his scenes for the soap, after playing Colin Russell from 1986 to 1989, a character that sparked contention from Dot due to his homosexuality.
RIP: Dot Cotton is set to be killed off in EastEnders following the death of actress June Brown in April 2022 (pictured in character in 1997)
Blast from the past: Jacqueline (left during her return to EastEnders), played Lauren Branning on the soap from 2010 to 2018 (pictured right in 2015)
Dapper: Also making a return was Tom Watt (left), who portrayed George ‘Lofty’ Holloway from 1985 to 1988, and he cut a sombre figure as he reunited with his co-stars to film the moving scenes
Throwback! Jan Grievson (left), who played Disa O’Brien (right) on EastEnders during the early 1990s, was also seen arriving on set for filming
Fan favourite: Linda Davidson (left), who famously played Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith on the soap (right), has also made a brief return for the scenes, following her last guest stint in 2019
He’s back again! Lord Michael Cashman (left) joined Linda to film his scenes for the soap, after playing Colin Russell (right) from 1986 to 1989, a character that sparked contention from Dot due to his homosexuality
Stars: The actors were joined by Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts) and Gillian Taylforth (Kathy Beale) as they dressed in all-black ensembles for the moving funeral scenes
There she goes! For the scenes the cast were seen heading into a church for Dot’s funeral, followed by a lavish coffin adorned with flowers and pulled by a pair of horses
Also making a return was Tom Watt, who portrayed George ‘Lofty’ Holloway, and he cut a sombre figure as he reunited with his co-stars to film the moving scenes.
The actor, who prevously appeared on the soap in 2019, has joined five other cast members returning to the soap for Dot’s final farewell.
Despite the emotional reunion, Jacqueline was in good spirits as she chatted to her co-stars including Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney Dean, with the actress donning a black and white houndstooth coat and leather gloves for the occasion.
What she deserves! The grand turnout was a fitting tribute to the soap icon, who became known for her chain-smoking, staunchly religious views and love for gossip
A sad occasion: Wrapped up in a cosy black boat, Jacqueline was seen back on the EastEnders set for the first time after bosses revealed she would be making a one-off return as Lauren Branning
Saying farewell: Much of the soap’s cast were then gathered at Dot’s graveside as her coffin was lowered into the ground, a final goodbye to the legendary character
Not-so happy reunion! Given her history in the Square, no doubt Dot’s funeral will still be packed with drama, and Jacqueline didn’t look best pleased with one resident during filming
She’s back! Jacqueline previously bid farewell to EastEnders in 2018, when Lauren decided to leave Walford with her son Louie following the death of her sister Abi in a devastating rooftop accident
A splash of colour! Still displayed her rebellious side, Linda sported a pale blue wool scarf as she chatted to co-star Lord Cashman, after the pair reunited for the first tiem in decades for the scenes
Kind: Diane Parish, in character as Denise Fox, was also seen comforting Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) as Dot’s coffin was lowered into the ground during the funeral
Diane Parish, in character as Denise Fox, was also seen comforting Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) as Dot’s coffin was lowered into the ground during the funeral.
Other stars in attendance for the funeral were Gillian Wright (playing Jean Slater) and Natalie Cassidy (Sonia Fowler).
Milly Zero – who plays Dot’s granddaughter Dotty Cotton – and Brian Conley (Thomas ‘Rocky’ Cotton), were also seen chatting to their co-stars while filming the funeral scenes.
Stylish: In character as Kathy Beale (right on the soap), actress Gillian (left) sported a wide-brimmed black hat with satin sashed detailing
Supportive: She and Letitia consoled one another as the coffin was lowered into the ground, with the actress once again playing her role of Sharon Watts (right)
Keeping cosy! Gillian Wright (left) was also spotted arriving on the set to play Jean Slater (right)
More sombre attire: Natalie Cassidy, who has played Sonia Fowler (right) on the soap on and off since 1993, was also seen heading to a waiting car after filming
Her final resting place: As the coffin was carried into the church, much of the cast were seen embracing as they reunited, clad in funeral attire, before the scenes
Still glamorous! Shona McGarty donned a black and white houndstooth coat (left) to film scenes as Whitney Dean (right)
A break from the dancefloor? James Bye (left), who is currently competing on Strictly Come Dancing, was seen in character as Martin Fowler (right)
Goodbye grandma! Milly Zero, who played Dot’s granddaughter Dotty Cotton, was among those closest to the launderette owner, despite previously attempting to con her grandmother
Letitia donned a wool coat with a fur lined collar and a veiled headband while Gillian opted for a wide brimmed hat and a polka dot silk scarf.
Given her legendary status in Albert Square, it’s no surprise that Dot’s funeral is a fitting tribute, as her coffin adorned with flowers arrived at the church in a horse-drawn carriage.
As the coffin was carried into the church, much of the cast were seen embracing as they reunited, clad in funeral attire, before the scenes.
The grand turnout was a fitting tribute to the soap icon, who became known for her chain-smoking, staunchly religious views and love for gossip.
Silver fox: Brian Conley, who joined the cast in 2021, under the ruse of being Sonia’s father, before revealing he was actually Tony Cotton (right), displayed his character’s famous expression
Helping hand: Some of Albert Square’s most beloved male figures were tasked with helping to carry Dot’s coffin into the church for her funeral
You look happy! Among those were Martin Fowler (played by James Bye, picture far left in both snaps) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen, seen right)
Final resting place: Stars donned their best funeral attire for Dot’s last farewell
Classic! Decorating Dot’s coffin was a heartwarming collage featuring snaps from some of her funniest moments in the Square, including her wedding to husband Jim
Stylish: Letitia donned a wool coat with a fur lined collar and a veiled headband while Gillian opted for a wide brimmed hat and a polka dot silk scarf
Reunited! Jan was seen embracing her former co-star Gillian, after the pair appeared on EastEnders together decades earlier
Much of the soap’s cast were then gathered at Dot’s graveside as her coffin was lowered into the ground, a final goodbye to the legendary character.
Some of EastEnders most beloved male figures were tasked with carrying Dot’s coffin, including Martin Fowler (James Bye) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).
It comes just hours after EastEnders bosses confirmed the full line-up of former stars returning to Walford for Dot’s funeral.
Grand return: Tom, who prevously appeared on the soap in 2019, has joined five other cast members returning to the soap for Dot’s final farewell
Grand return! It comes just hours after EastEnders bosses confirmed the full line-up of former stars returning to Walford for Dot’s funeral
So many stars! The BBC soap unveiled that six actors would be reprising their roles for the special tribute episode which sees Albert Square residents say a final goodbye to the beloved launderette worker (Shona and Jacqueline are pictured)
Of course! Among those returning is Jacqueline, who played Dot’s granddaughter Lauren Branning and said it was a ‘no-brainer’ to return
In the work: It was previously revealed that soap bosses were working on a tribute for EastEnders legend June Brown , who died in April of this year at the age of 95
Developments: And now, further details of the funeral scenes have been revealed, with each of the returning characters sharing their memories of Dot throughout the years (Gillian, Letitia and Shona are pictured)
Throwback: While viewers will get a chance to discover what the characters have been up to since they last stepped foot in Walford
The BBC soap unveiled that six actors would be reprising their roles for the special tribute episode which sees Albert Square residents say a final goodbye to the beloved launderette worker.
Among those returning is Jacqueline, who played Dot’s granddaughter Lauren Branning and said it was a ‘no-brainer’ to return, and Tom Watt, who portrayed ‘Lofty’.
While completing the line-up of returning actors are Colin Russell (Lord Michael Cashman CBE), Barry Clark (Gary Hailes) , Mary ‘the punk’ Smith (Linda Davidson) and Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson).
It was previously revealed that soap bosses were working on a tribute for EastEnders legend June Brown, who died in April of this year at the age of 95.
Final appearance: The beloved character of Dot left the show in January 2020 to go to Ireland with her grandson Charlie
Legendary: She portrayed the role of Dot for 35 years, and was part of the Branning clan after marrying character Jim Branning in 2002
So famous! Speaking on why it was important to have significant people from Dot’s past return, show, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: ‘It’s an honour to invite so many of Walford’s beloved characters back to pay tribute to Dot’
Important: ‘Over the years, Dot impacted the lives of many young people struggling with life’s biggest challenges. Her warmth, heart and compassion changed lives – so we wanted to reunite some of the people she helped the most,’ he added
Elated: ‘I’m thrilled these talented and generous actors wanted to share this special experience with us so we can give Dot a fitting send-off,’ the statement continued
And now, further details of the funeral scenes have been revealed, with each of the returning characters sharing their memories of Dot throughout the years.
While viewers will get a chance to discover what the characters have been up to since they last stepped foot in Walford.
The beloved character of Dot left the show in January 2020 to go to Ireland with her grandson Charlie.
She portrayed the role of Dot for 35 years, and was part of the Branning clan after marrying character Jim Branning in 2002.
She’s back! The episode sees Dot’s step granddaughter Lauren return to Albert Square for the first time since leaving for a new life in New Zealand with son Louie
Speaking on why it was important to have significant people from Dot’s past return, show, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said in a statement: ‘It’s an honour to invite so many of Walford’s beloved characters back to pay tribute to Dot.
‘Over the years, Dot profoundly impacted the lives of many young people struggling with life’s biggest challenges. Her warmth, heart and compassion changed lives – so we wanted to reunite some of the people she helped the most.
‘I’m thrilled these talented and generous actors wanted to share this special experience with us so we can give Dot a fitting send-off.’
The episode sees Dot’s step granddaughter Lauren return to Albert Square for the first time since leaving for a new life in New Zealand with son Louie.
And while much of her former home has changed, there is once Walford resident that catches her eye.
On how she feels to come back for the emotional storyline, Jacqueline shared: ‘Coming back to EastEnders for Dot’s funeral was a no-brainer, and it was a real honour to be invited back.
‘I had a lot of fun but, of course, it was bittersweet. It was amazing to be back, but hard to be filming this storyline. I can tell the viewers now that Dot gets the beautiful send-off that she deserves.’
She concluded: ‘June was the light and joy of EastEnders. I had so much fun working with her, the incredible stories and how infectious & witty she was. June is a legend and I miss her very much.’
Meanwhile, Lofty, who last returned in 2019 for Dr Legg’s funeral, will be back once more for a sad occasion.
He said of the late actress: ‘June was amazing as Dot. She completely inhabited the character: grew with her, suffered with her and faced life’ s troubles with her. As soon as Dot appeared on screen, you knew June had all that history lighting up every look and every line in every single scene she was a part of.’
Elsewhere, Lord Cashman said: ‘When I was asked back I didn’t even hesitate because I couldn’t have imagined not being there for June, and I know Colin couldn’t have imagined not being there for Dot – they had that amazing, deep friendship that lasted during their years, and it was exactly the same with June and me.
‘June was unique, and there are so many incredible stories I could tell, but amongst my favourite moments of Dot was her monologue to Jim – she was a character, and actress, that will last beyond the test of time.’
Gary Hailes shared: ‘Being invited back to the show after almost 30 years away was exciting, scary, strange, but overall it was really nice! EastEnders has always been a big part of my life so to have the opportunity to come back – there were nerves – but that quickly turned into excitement, and warmth at the chance to honour Dot.
‘June was an incredibly genuine person both on and off-screen, she really cared and was attentive to people. That’s one thing I’ll never forget.’
While Jan Graveson added: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to be invited back to EastEnders to play Disa again and to honour the wonderful and unique character of Dot Cotton.
‘I remember only too well of Dot and Disa’s long dramatic scenes together and how they gripped the nation. Her notes, her suggestions, taught me so much.
I have not, as yet, felt anything close to that energy, conviction and rapport, and probably never will. Dot – and June – was an inspiration to me, a brilliant actress to work with and a beautiful heart who became a lifelong friend.’
The beloved character of Dot left the show in January 2020 to go to Ireland with her grandson Charlie.
But after soap star June sadly passed away in April of this year at the age of 95, news of Dot’s death will soon get back to her family in Walford.
She portrayed the role of Dot for 35 years, and was part of the Branning clan after marrying character Jim Branning in 2002.
The source continued to The Sun: ‘EastEnders bosses are pulling out all the stops to show just how much June was loved by the cast and crew.
‘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. 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.’
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