EastEnders star June Brown, best known for her role as Dot Cotton, has died at the age of 95.
The actress died at her home in Surrey on Sunday with her family by her side. A statement from her family said: "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.
READ MORE: June Brown dead: EastEnders confirm Dot Cotton star has died aged 95
EastEnders also issued a heartfelt tribute, saying a 'very bright light has gone out' following June's death.
They said: "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."
June's character Dot 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.
She announced the news of her exit from EastEnders in 2020 with little fanfare, revealing her decision on a podcast with a former co-star. Dot had not featured in the soap for a month when she left a voicemail for Sonia Fowler saying she had moved to Ireland.
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