A number of characters from EastEnders have been revealed as planning to return to Albert Square to say goodbye to the renowned Dot Cotton.
There will undoubtedly be a lavish burial for a beloved soap opera character, and it appears that June Brown’s character Dot Cotton will be no exception.
The beloved laundry manager, played by actress June Brown from 1985 until her death in April of this year, was confirmed by the television show shortly after as Dot, who departed the show in January 2020, would also die off-screen.
EastEnders executives have revealed that six former characters will return to pay respect to Dot as her burial approaches.
Colin Russell (Lord Michael Cashman), Lofty Holloway (Tom Watt), and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), Dot’s step-granddaughter, are among the returning cast members.
Along with Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson), Mary Smith (Linda Davidson), and Colin’s ex-boyfriend Barry Clark (Gary Hailes), they will be joined.
Regarding the returns, Chris Clenshaw, executive producer of EastEnders, is pleased with the work the crew has produced.
“We are honoured to have so many of Walford’s most cherished characters return to honour Dot,” he remarked.
“Throughout the years, Dot had a significant influence on the lives of numerous young individuals facing the most difficult obstacles in life.
We wanted to bring some of the people she helped the most back together because of her warmth, compassion, and heart, which impacted lives.
“I’m overjoyed that these gifted and kind actors wanted to share this unique experience with us so we can properly say goodbye to Dot.”
Even though their reunion has a tragic backstory, it appears the show is laying the groundwork for future storylines to be developed when they are back on the square.
When Colin initially came to Walford in 1986, it became clear that he was keeping something from everyone. He was gay, but he was keeping it a secret out of fear of being rejected if he came out. But Dot saw him and Barry in bed together after he fell in love. She quickly started spreading rumours about him by claiming that he had AIDS. Despite this, Dot and Charlie (Christopher Hancock) became good friends once it was discovered that Charlie was a bigamist.
Dot was compelled to confront her own convictions after a number of years when Colin came back in 2016 and asked her to his wedding to Eddie Tsang (Kevin Shen). She backed out of her initial refusal to go because she thought same-sex marriage was wrong, and she attended the wedding in Ireland.
On the other hand, Colin hasn’t seen Barry in years. On New Year’s Eve 1987, the two broke up, and he went to accept a job as a DJ on a cruise ship six months later. Colin and Barry haven’t seen each other in 35 years, so it raises the question: can their reunion spark a rekindling?
“It was exciting, unsettling, and strange to be invited back to the show after almost 30 years away, but overall it was really nice!” The actor who portrayed Barry said.
“Because EastEnders has always played a significant role in my life, I was nervous at the possibility to return, but those feelings soon subsided into joy and warmth at the chance to honour Dot.
“June was a very real person who cared about people and paid attention to them, both on and off screen. One thing I will never forget is that.
Disa, meanwhile, was a young, innocent girl who ended herself pregnant and abused sexually by her uncle in Walford. Though her time on the show was brief, Disa formed a lasting friendship with Dot, to whom she confided and sought guidance on parenting.
Dot was a devoted Christian who frequently found herself lending a hand to individuals in need; Mary “The Punk” Smith was one such person. When Dot (Marilyn O’Brien) first appeared in the show in March 1985, she and Mary (Marilyn O’Brien) struck up an odd connection. Dot was then tasked with taking care of Mary’s small daughter Annie. Mary and Dot remained friends despite their ups and downs; they recently reconnected in 2015 when Mary travelled back for Dr. Legg’s (Leonard Fenton) death.
Lofty was introduced early in the series and forged an unusual bond with Dot, much like Mary. The two maintained their connection over time despite their differing ages.
And last but not least, there has been great anticipation for Lauren’s return to Walford. Lauren left the Square for New Zealand in 2018, but throughout the last four years, she has kept in touch with her loved ones on multiple occasions. She’s getting ready to say goodbye to the woman she named her step-grandmother now that she’s back in town, but it looks like she might fall in love with a dashing suitor.
Speaking of her comeback, Jacqueline pondered her time spent working with June and reaffirmed the admiration that a great deal of the cast, crew, and audience have for the actress.
“It was an absolute honour to be invited back, and attending Dot’s funeral on EastEnders was a no-brainer,” she remarked.
Although it was undoubtedly heartbreaking, I had a great time.
“It was difficult to film this storyline, but it was great to be back.” I may now inform the audience that Dot receives the exquisite farewell she merits. June epitomised happiness and sunshine in EastEnders.
“Working with her was a lot of fun because of her amazing stories and her contagious humour. June is truly amazing, and I sincerely miss her.
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