Adam Woodyatt has paid tribute to the late EastEnders icon June Brown, who played much-loved character Dot Cotton and has died at the age of 95.
The fellow EastEnders legend, who has played Ian Beale on the soap since 1985 was the first cast member to pay tribute to June.
Taking to Instagram, he shared a photo of the star in character and sat on a staircase, and shared his heartbreak that June was never made a Dame before her death, despite his and the rest of the cast’s efforts.
He wrote: "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.
"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 June was then included in the 2022 New Year's honours list to be made an OBE.
An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed June's death on Monday, stating: "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, and having appeared in 2,884 episodes, 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."
Danny Dyer was also among the first EastEnders cast member to pay tribute to the actress, posting a photo of them together on the soap set via Instagram.
He wrote: "Rest in peace June. So privileged to have graced the screen with ya. An icon in its truest form."
Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale in the soap, said: “I’m truly heartbroken by this news.
"June Brown OBE, MBE, was an amazing woman and a truly wonderful actress. I shared many scenes with her over the years and she was always someone I looked up to and learnt from.
"There will never be another June Brown and I’m sending all my love to her family.”
