The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Dot Cotton actress June Brown leaves TV soap after 35 years
Actress June Brown said she has left EastEnders after 35 years of playing chainsmoking Albert Square mainstay Dot Cotton.
The 93-year-old actress, whose stint on the soap began in 1985, said she has left the show “for good”.
Her character had not featured since an episode last month, when Dot left a voicemail for Sonia Fowler, played by Natalie Cassidy, saying she had moved to Ireland.
Brown is perhaps EastEnders’ bestknown star and played the larger-thanlife Dot, known for her devout Christian faith and hypochondria.
The veteran actress arrived on Albert Square shortly after the soap began in 1985, and aside from a break between 1993 and 1997, has been a regular since.
Some of Dot’s biggest storylines have 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.
During her appearance on the Distinct Nostalgia podcast to former co-star Rani Singh, Brown said: “I’ve played two people simultaneously for 35 years. Really Dot wasn’t me, but spiritually she probably was.”
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.
An EastEnders spokesman said the “door remains open” for Brown to return.
A statement said: “We never discuss artists’ contracts. However, as far as EastEnders are concerned the door remains open for June, as it always has if the story arises and if June wishes to take part.”