EastEnders legend June Brown dies, aged 95

EastEnders star June Brown, best known for her role as chain-smoking Dot Cotton, has died peacefully at the age of 95.

The actress’s 35-year run on Albert Square began in 1985 when the show first aired.

She remained one of the soap’s longest-running characters and was a favourite with viewers.

In 2011, she took part in the popular TV show Who Do You Think You Are? and discovered her Jewish lineage through her maternal line.

Researchers uncovered her ancestors were Sephardi Jews expelled from Africa during the Spanish inquisition and that her great-great grandfather, Isaac Bitton, was a champion bare-knuckle fighter.

June Brown said that the experience made her feel “more connected,” to her Jewish roots.

During her career, Brown won several awards for her portrayal of Dot, including a lifetime achievement honour at the 2005 British Soap Awards.

Prior to her on-screen-success, Brown served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service in the Second World War, and then left to train at London’s Old Vic Theatre School in Lambeth.

Some of Dot’s biggest storylines explored controversial issues such as euthanasia when her friend Ethel, who was terminally ill, asked Dot to help her take an overdose of morphine to end her life.

Her two most notable relationships were with husband Jim Branning, played by the late John Bardon, and son “Nasty Nick”, played by John Altman.

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.

An EastEnders spokeswoman has 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.”

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.”