EastEnders' Dot Cotton returns to Walford for final time ahead of heartbreaking funeral

EastEnders is lining up heartbreaking scenes next week as Dot Cotton returns to Walford, as her body is brought home after her death.

Sonia Fowler, and viewers, will hear the soap legend's voice one last time too as a recording from Dot is played that the late character recorded at some point, while details on the tape have not been shared.

Following the heartbreaking news of her death, Dot's granddaughter, by marriage, Sonia Fowler is left distraught, and stays up all night looking at photos of her.

She refuses help in planning the funeral, but later she's overwhelmed as Reverend Mills calls to say they can do Dot’s funeral on Monday.

EastEnders is lining up heartbreaking scenes next week as Dot Cotton returns to Walford (BBC)

During her chat with the vicar, Sonia seeks reassurance that Dot is in heaven, and they discuss how her faith gave her comfort.

With the help of Martin, Sharon, Patrick, Jay and Kathy, which she finally accepts, she is able to pull everything together to give Dot the send-off she deserves

But when left alone with Martin, it all gets too much for her and she bursts into tears.

Soon, Dot's granddaughter Dotty Cotton arrives with a tape recorder, after Sonia receives a tape recorded by Dot.

Soon, Dot's granddaughter Dotty Cotton arrives with a tape recorder (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Dotty hands her the machine, and Sonia soon plays the tape and is left sobbing as she hears Dot's voice one last time.

Viewers will have to tune in to hear what Dot has to say and for more details on the recording.

Later, Dot returns home for the final time as her body is taken to her former residence at No 25.

Upon hearing that Dot’s body is now at home, where Sonia is keeping a vigil, Whitney, Dotty and Jack arrive so they can all be together to support her.

Sonia Fowler, and viewers, will hear the soap legend's voice one last time (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Soon, the group share their memories of Dot and they all comfort Sonia and each other, as they remember the late character ahead of her final send-off.

The storyline comes following the passing of soap legend June Brown in April this year, with June playing Dot for more than 20 years.

June died aged 95, while her character passed away off screen - with the news to be announced this week.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.