Actress June Brown has died aged 95

June Brown, the actress who played Dot Cotton in Eastenders, has died aged 95, the BBC has confirmed today.

The actress was much-loved as her character Dot Cotton, who she played for more than 30 years on the soap.

Her family said they’re ‘deeply saddened’ to confirm the news their ‘beloved mother’  had died ‘very peacefully’ at home on Sunday.

An EastEnders spokesperson 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.”

Dot was one of Eastenders’ longest-running characters and remained a firm fan favourite.

She first appeared back in 1985, the same year EastEnders was created, and remained until 1993, before returning to play the same character from 1997 until 2020.

A statement from Brown’s family reads: “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.”