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EastEnders legend June Brown, who played Dot Cotton, dies aged 95

Watch: June Brown has died aged 95

EastEnders star June Brown, best known for her role as Dot Cotton, has died at the age of 95, the BBC has announced.

The actor, who was one of the original stars of the BBC soap which launched in 1985, officially quit the show in 2020.

Brown was perhaps EastEnders’ best-known star and larger-than-life Dot was known for her devout Christian faith and hypochondria, as well as her endless cigarette addiction.

June Brown as Dot Cotton, who has died aged 95. (PA Images via Getty Images)
June Brown as Dot Cotton, who has died aged 95. (PA Images via Getty Images)

A statement from June 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.

Read more: Dot Cotton's most memorable storylines

"We would kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time."

Brown was appointed an MBE in 2008, and an OBE in 2022 for services to drama and charity.

File photo dated 04/11/08 of Eastenders actress June Brown in Buckingham Palace, London, receiving an MBE for services to Drama and Charity from Queen Elizabeth II.
June Brown receiving an MBE for services to Drama and Charity from Queen Elizabeth II. (PA)

A statement released by soap 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 2884 episodes, June’s remarkable performances created some of EastEnders finest moments.

UNSPECIFIED, ENGLAND: June Brown as Dot Cotton during a special episode of Eastenders broadcast on March 16, 2001 as part of Red Nose 2001 campaign. (Photo by BBC/Comic Relief via Getty Images)
June Brown as Dot Cotton during a special Comic Relief episode of Eastenders in 2001. (BBC/Comic Relief via Getty Images)

"We send all our love and deepest sympathies to June’s family and friends. A very bright light has gone out at EastEnders today - we shall all be raising a sweet sherry in June’s memory. Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten."

Read more: Fame was a long time coming for June Brown

The veteran actor, who had a long career in television and theatre, arrived on Albert Square shortly after the soap began in 1985, and aside from a break between 1993 and 1997, was a regular for more than three decades.

The cast of EastEnders on set. June Brown as Dot Cotton, 28th June 1991. (Photo by Nigel Wright/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)
The cast of EastEnders on set. June Brown as Dot Cotton, 28th June 1991. (Mirrorpix/Getty Images)

On January 31 2008 she single-handedly starred in an episode called 'Pretty Baby', in which she spoke to a cassette recorder about her life so that her husband could listen to it as he lay in hospital following a stroke.

Brown served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service at the end of the Second World War, and then left to train at London’s Old Vic Theatre School in Lambeth.

Before joining EastEnders she had roles in Coronation Street, Doctor Who, Minder and The Bill, as well as costume dramas The Duchess Of Duke Street and Oliver Twist.

After joining Albert Square she also starred in comedy Ain’t Misbehavin in 1997, and played Nanny Slagg in the BBC’s production of Gormenghast in 2000.

June Brown in EastEnders. (BBC)
June Brown in EastEnders. (BBC)

She announced the bombshell news of her exit from EastEnders in 2020 with little fanfare, revealing her decision on a podcast with a former co-star.

Dot had not featured in the soap for a month, when she left a voicemail for Sonia Fowler saying she had moved to Ireland.

At the time an EastEnders’ spokesman said the door remained open for a comeback, appearing to leave the decision in Brown’s hands.

Read more: Barbara Windsor made June Brown apologise to writers

Some of Dot’s biggest storylines 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.

EastEnders stars June Brown (Dot Cotton) and John Altman (Nick Cotton). 23rd March 1990. (Photo by Mike Maloney/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)
EastEnders stars June Brown (Dot Cotton) and John Altman (Nick Cotton). 23rd March 1990. (Mirrorpix/Getty Images)

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 for her standalone episode of the soap.

In December 2021 Brown was made an OBE in the New Year Honours, as she was recognised for services to drama and to charity.

Read more: June Brown won't give up smoking at 92

She was previously made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2008 for services to drama and charity.

Brown married her first husband, John Garley, in 1950.

After his death she married actor Robert Arnold in 1958 and had six children with him.