EastEnders veterans have became out in pressure for Dot Cotton’s funeral , with a slew of former forged participants noticed filming the emotional scenes on Wednesday.
The massive turnout was once led by way of Jacqueline Jossa who was once noticed on set for the primary time as she reprised her function of Lauren Branning, following her departure in 2018, in conjunction with returning characters ‘Lofty’ Holloway (Tom Watt), Colin Russell (Lord Michael Cashman CBE), Barry Clark (Gary Hailes) , Mary ‘the punk’ Smith (Linda Davidson) and Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson).
The actress, 29, was once additionally joined by way of veteran EastEnders stars, Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts and Gillian Taylforth, who performs Kathy Beale, as a lot of the cleaning soap’s forged have been in attendance for Dot’s ultimate farewell.
Jac, who stars as Dot’s grand-daughter Lauren, in the past mentioned it was once a ‘no-brainer’ to go back to Albert Sq. for the legend’s ship off, and he or she donned a lengthy fur coat with heart-printed tights and heeled leather-based boots.
Jan Grievson, who performed Disa O’Brien on EastEnders all through the early Nineties, was once additionally noticed arriving on set for filming in conjunction with Linda Davidson, who performed Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith.
Lord Michael Cashman joined Linda to movie his scenes for the cleaning soap, after taking part in Colin Russell from 1986 to 1989, a personality that sparked competition from Dot because of his homosexuality.
RIP: Dot Cotton is ready to be killed off in EastEnders following the demise of actress June Brown in April 2022 (pictured in persona in 1997)
Blast from the previous: Jacqueline (left all through her go back to EastEnders), performed Lauren Branning at the cleaning soap from 2010 to 2018 (pictured proper in 2015)
Dapper: Additionally making a comeback was once Tom Watt (left), who portrayed George ‘Lofty’ Holloway from 1985 to 1988, and he lower a sombre determine as he reunited along with his co-stars to movie the shifting scenes
Throwback! Jan Grievson (left), who performed Disa O’Brien (proper) on EastEnders all through the early Nineties, was once additionally noticed arriving on set for filming
Fan favorite: Linda Davidson (left), who famously performed Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith at the cleaning soap (proper), has additionally made a short lived go back for the scenes, following her closing visitor stint in 2019
He is again once more! Lord Michael Cashman (left) joined Linda to movie his scenes for the cleaning soap, after taking part in Colin Russell (proper) from 1986 to 1989, a personality that sparked competition from Dot because of his homosexuality
Stars: The actors have been joined by way of Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts) and Gillian Taylforth (Kathy Beale) as they wearing all-black ensembles for the shifting funeral scenes
There she is going! For the scenes the solid have been noticed heading right into a church for Dot’s funeral, adopted by way of a lavish coffin embellished with flora and pulled by way of a couple of horses
Additionally making a comeback was once Tom Watt, who portrayed George ‘Lofty’ Holloway, and he lower a sombre determine as he reunited along with his co-stars to movie the shifting scenes.
The actor, who prevously seemed at the cleaning soap in 2019, has joined 5 different forged participants returning to the cleaning soap for Dot’s ultimate farewell.
In spite of the emotional reunion, Jacqueline was once in excellent spirits as she chatted to her co-stars together with Shona McGarty, who performs Whitney Dean, with the actress donning a black and white houndstooth coat and leather-based gloves for the instance.
What she merits! The grand turnout was once a becoming tribute to the cleaning soap icon, who was identified for her chain-smoking, staunchly spiritual perspectives and love for gossip
Pronouncing farewell: A lot of the cleaning soap’s forged have been then accrued at Dot’s graveside as her coffin was once decreased into the bottom, a last good-bye to the mythical persona
No longer-so satisfied reunion! Given her historical past within the Sq., for sure Dot’s funeral will nonetheless be filled with drama, and Jacqueline did not glance best possible happy with one resident all through filming
A dash of colour! Nonetheless displayed her rebellious facet, Linda sported a light blue wool shawl as she chatted to co-star Lord Cashman, after the pair reunited for the primary tiem in a long time for the scenes
Sort: Diane Parish, in persona as Denise Fox, was once additionally noticed comforting Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) as Dot’s coffin was once decreased into the bottom all through the funeral
Diane Parish, in persona as Denise Fox, was once additionally noticed comforting Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) as Dot’s coffin was once decreased into the bottom all through the funeral.
Different stars in attendance for the funeral have been Gillian Wright (taking part in Jean Slater) and Natalie Cassidy (Sonia Fowler).
Milly 0 – who performs Dot’s granddaughter Dotty Cotton – and Brian Conley (Thomas ‘Rocky’ Cotton), have been additionally noticed chatting to their co-stars whilst filming the funeral scenes.
Fashionable: In persona as Kathy Beale (proper at the cleaning soap), actress Gillian (left) sported a wide-brimmed black hat with satin sashed detailing
Supportive: She and Letitia consoled one every other because the coffin was once decreased into the bottom, with the actress as soon as once more taking part in her function of Sharon Watts (proper)
Holding snug! Gillian Wright (left) was once additionally noticed arriving at the set to play Jean Slater (proper)
Extra sombre apparel: Natalie Cassidy, who has performed Sonia Fowler (proper) at the cleaning soap off and on since 1993, was once additionally noticed heading to a ready automotive after filming
Her ultimate resting position: Because the coffin was once carried into the church, a lot of the solid have been noticed embracing as they reunited, clad in funeral apparel, prior to the scenes
Nonetheless glamorous! Shona McGarty donned a black and white houndstooth coat (left) to movie scenes as Whitney Dean (proper)
A wreck from the dancefloor? James Bye (left), who’s lately competing on Strictly Come Dancing, was once noticed in persona as Martin Fowler (proper)
Good-bye grandma! Milly 0, who performed Dot’s granddaughter Dotty Cotton, was once amongst the ones closest to the launderette proprietor, regardless of in the past making an attempt to con her grandmother
Letitia donned a wool coat with a fur covered collar and a veiled headscarf whilst Gillian opted for a large brimmed hat and a polka dot silk shawl.
Given her mythical standing in Albert Sq., it is no marvel that Dot’s funeral is a becoming tribute, as her coffin embellished with flora arrived on the church in a horse-drawn carriage.
Because the coffin was once carried into the church, a lot of the solid have been noticed embracing as they reunited, clad in funeral apparel, prior to the scenes.
The grand turnout was once a becoming tribute to the cleaning soap icon, who was identified for her chain-smoking, staunchly spiritual perspectives and love for gossip.
Silver fox: Brian Conley, who joined the solid in 2021, below the ruse of being Sonia’s father, prior to revealing he was once if truth be told Tony Cotton (proper), displayed his persona’s well-known expression
Serving to hand: A few of Albert Sq.’s maximum cherished male figures have been tasked with serving to to hold Dot’s coffin into the church for her funeral
You glance satisfied! Amongst the ones have been Martin Fowler (performed by way of James Bye, image some distance left in each snaps) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen, noticed proper)
Ultimate resting position: Stars donned their best possible funeral apparel for Dot’s closing farewell
Vintage! Adorning Dot’s coffin was once a heartwarming collage that includes snaps from a few of her funniest moments within the Sq., together with her marriage ceremony to husband Jim
Fashionable: Letitia donned a wool coat with a fur covered collar and a veiled headscarf whilst Gillian opted for a large brimmed hat and a polka dot silk shawl
A lot of the cleaning soap’s forged have been then accrued at Dot’s graveside as her coffin was once decreased into the bottom, a last good-bye to the mythical persona.
A few of EastEnders maximum cherished male figures have been tasked with sporting Dot’s coffin, together with Martin Fowler (James Bye) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).
It comes simply hours after EastEnders bosses showed the overall line-up of former stars returning to Walford for Dot’s funeral.
Grand go back: Tom, who prevously seemed at the cleaning soap in 2019, has joined 5 different forged participants returning to the cleaning soap for Dot’s ultimate farewell
Grand go back! It comes simply hours after EastEnders bosses showed the overall line-up of former stars returning to Walford for Dot’s funeral
Such a lot of stars! The BBC cleaning soap unveiled that six actors can be reprising their roles for the particular tribute episode which sees Albert Sq. citizens say a last good-bye to the cherished launderette employee (Shona and Jacqueline are pictured)
In fact! Amongst the ones returning is Jacqueline, who performed Dot’s granddaughter Lauren Branning and mentioned it was once a ‘no-brainer’ to go back
Within the paintings: It was once in the past published that cleaning soap bosses have been running on a tribute for EastEnders legend June Brown , who died in April of this 12 months on the age of 95
Tendencies: And now, additional main points of the funeral scenes were published, with every of the returning characters sharing their reminiscences of Dot all over the years (Gillian, Letitia and Shona are pictured)
Throwback: Whilst audience gets an opportunity to find what the characters were as much as since they closing stepped foot in Walford
The BBC cleaning soap unveiled that six actors can be reprising their roles for the particular tribute episode which sees Albert Sq. citizens say a last good-bye to the cherished launderette employee.
Amongst the ones returning is Jacqueline, who performed Dot’s granddaughter Lauren Branning and mentioned it was once a ‘no-brainer’ to go back, and Tom Watt, who portrayed ‘Lofty’.
Whilst finishing the line-up of returning actors are Colin Russell (Lord Michael Cashman CBE), Barry Clark (Gary Hailes) , Mary ‘the punk’ Smith (Linda Davidson) and Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson).
It was once in the past published that cleaning soap bosses have been running on a tribute for EastEnders legend June Brown, who died in April of this 12 months on the age of 95.
Ultimate look: The cherished persona of Dot left the display in January 2020 to visit Eire along with her grandson Charlie
Mythical: She portrayed the function of Dot for 35 years, and was once a part of the Branning extended family after marrying persona Jim Branning in 2002
So well-known! Talking on why it was once necessary to have important other folks from Dot’s previous go back, display, Government Manufacturer Chris Clenshaw mentioned: ‘It is an honour to ask such a lot of of Walford’s cherished characters again to pay tribute to Dot’
Necessary: ‘Over time, Dot impacted the lives of many younger other folks suffering with lifestyles’s largest demanding situations. Her heat, coronary heart and compassion modified lives – so we needed to reunite probably the most other folks she helped essentially the most,’ he added
Elated: ‘I am delighted those gifted and beneficiant actors sought after to percentage this particular enjoy with us so we will be able to give Dot a becoming send-off,’ the observation persisted
And now, additional main points of the funeral scenes were published, with every of the returning characters sharing their reminiscences of Dot all over the years.
Whilst audience gets an opportunity to find what the characters were as much as since they closing stepped foot in Walford.
The cherished persona of Dot left the display in January 2020 to visit Eire along with her grandson Charlie.
She portrayed the function of Dot for 35 years, and was once a part of the Branning extended family after marrying persona Jim Branning in 2002.
She’s again! The episode sees Dot’s step granddaughter Lauren go back to Albert Sq. for the primary time since leaving for a brand new lifestyles in New Zealand with son Louie
Talking on why it was once necessary to have important other folks from Dot’s previous go back, display, Government Manufacturer Chris Clenshaw mentioned in a observation: ‘It is an honour to ask such a lot of of Walford’s cherished characters again to pay tribute to Dot.
‘Over time, Dot profoundly impacted the lives of many younger other folks suffering with lifestyles’s largest demanding situations. Her heat, coronary heart and compassion modified lives – so we needed to reunite probably the most other folks she helped essentially the most.
‘I am delighted those gifted and beneficiant actors sought after to percentage this particular enjoy with us so we will be able to give Dot a becoming send-off.’
The episode sees Dot’s step granddaughter Lauren go back to Albert Sq. for the primary time since leaving for a brand new lifestyles in New Zealand with son Louie.
And whilst a lot of her former house has modified, there may be as soon as Walford resident that catches her eye.
On how she feels to return again for the emotional storyline, Jacqueline shared: ‘Coming again to EastEnders for Dot’s funeral was once a no brainer, and it was once an actual honour to be invited again.
‘I had a large number of a laugh however, after all, it was once bittersweet. It was once wonderful to be again, however onerous to be filming this storyline. I will be able to inform the audience now that Dot will get the gorgeous send-off that she merits.’
She concluded: ‘June was once the sunshine and pleasure of EastEnders. I had such a lot a laugh running along with her, the unbelievable tales and the way infectious & witty she was once. June is a legend and I leave out her very a lot.’
In the meantime, Lofty, who closing returned in 2019 for Dr Legg’s funeral, might be again yet again for a tragic instance.
He mentioned of the past due actress: ‘June was once wonderful as Dot. She utterly inhabited the nature: grew along with her, suffered along with her and confronted lifestyles’ s troubles along with her. Once Dot seemed on display screen, you knew June had all that historical past lighting fixtures up each glance and each line in each unmarried scene she was once part of.’
Somewhere else, Lord Cashman mentioned: ‘When I used to be requested again I did not even hesitate as a result of I could not have imagined now not being there for June, and I do know Colin could not have imagined now not being there for Dot – that they had that incredible, deep friendship that lasted all through their years, and it was once precisely the similar with June and me.
‘June was once distinctive, and there are such a large amount of unbelievable tales I may inform, however among my favorite moments of Dot was once her monologue to Jim – she was once a personality, and actress, that may closing past the check of time.’
Gary Hailes shared: ‘Being invited again to the display after virtually 30 years away was once thrilling, horrifying, atypical, however total it was once truly great! EastEnders has at all times been a large a part of my lifestyles in an effort to have the option to return again – there have been nerves – however that temporarily became pleasure, and heat on the likelihood to honour Dot.
‘June was once a shockingly authentic particular person each on and off-screen, she truly cared and was once conscious of other folks. That is something I’m going to by no means overlook.’
Whilst Jan Graveson added: ‘I’m completely delighted to be invited again to EastEnders to play Disa once more and to honour the glorious and distinctive persona of Dot Cotton.
‘I take note handiest too smartly of Dot and Disa’s lengthy dramatic scenes in combination and the way they gripped the country. Her notes, her tips, taught me such a lot.
I’ve now not, as but, felt anything else on the subject of that power, conviction and rapport, and almost definitely by no means will. Dot – and June – was once an inspiration to me, an excellent actress to paintings with and an attractive coronary heart who was a lifelong pal.’
The cherished persona of Dot left the display in January 2020 to visit Eire along with her grandson Charlie.
However after cleaning soap megastar June unfortunately gave up the ghost in April of this 12 months on the age of 95, information of Dot’s demise will quickly get again to her circle of relatives in Walford.
She portrayed the function of Dot for 35 years, and was once a part of the Branning extended family after marrying persona Jim Branning in 2002.
The supply persisted to The Solar: ‘EastEnders bosses are pulling out the entire stops to turn simply how a lot June was once liked by way of the solid and staff.
‘She was once an enormous a part of EastEnders and her legacy will survive in Albert Sq. without end. She is going to by no means be forgotten.’
‘With out giving anything else away the script is gorgeous and what she would have sought after. It was once a shockingly onerous couple of days on set as she was once so liked. However everybody was once made up our minds to present June and Dot the ship off she deserved.’
