EastEnders star June Brown, best known for her role as Dot Cotton, has died at the age of 95, the BBC has announced.
The much-loved actress, who joined the BBC One soap back in 1985, died at her home in Surrey on Sunday (April 3) with her family by her side.
An EastEnders spokeswoman 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."
The statement added: "Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten."
A statement from Brown's 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."
The actress's 35-year run as one of Albert Square's most iconic characters began in 1985 before she left the show in 2020. Dot was probably best known for being of devout Christian faith and hypochondria, as well as for her endless cigarette addiction.
Some of Dot’s biggest storylines explored controversial issues such as euthanasia, cancer and homophobia. Her marriage to Jim Branning, played by John Bardon, was popular among fans – while she was also mother to the notorious criminal Nick Cotton, played by John Altman.
June announced the bombshell 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.
At the time an EastEnders spokesman said the door remained open for a comeback, appearing to leave the decision in Brown’s hands.
Brown won several awards for her portrayal of Dot, including a lifetime achievement honour at the 2005 British Soap Awards. In 2009, she was nominated for the best actress prize at the TV Baftas for her standalone episode of the soap.
In December 2021, Brown was made an OBE in the New Year Honours, as she was recognised for services to drama and to charity. She was previously made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2008 for services to drama and charity.
Brown married her first husband, John Garley, in 1950. After his death she married actor Robert Arnold in 1958 with whom she shared six children.
Danny Dyer was the first EastEnders cast member to pay tribute to the actress, posting a photo of them together on the soap set on his Instagram page. He wrote: "Rest in peace June. So privileged to have graced the screen with ya. An icon in its truest form."
