EastEnders spoilers: First look at Dot Cotton’s heart-breaking funeral

EastEnders fans should have their hankies at the ready as the BBC soap has released a first look at Dot Cotton’s heartbreaking funeral.

The sombre gathering will see characters both past and present reunite for what are sure to be emotional scenes.

The special episodes will pay tribute to actress June Brown, who passed away in April, after playing the much-loved character of Dot from 1985 to 2020.

Dot’s step-granddaughter Sonia Fowler is tasked with arranging the send off, leaning on ex-husband Martin Fowler for support.

Meanwhile, Dot’s old friends - Colin Russell, Sharon Watts, Denise Fox, Mary Smith, Lofty Holloway, Disa O’Brien, and Barry Clark - make special arrangements to attend the funeral, with Dot’s other step-granddaughter, Lauren Branning (played by Jacqueline Jossa) flying over from New Zealand to pay her respects.

New images show the funeral procession making its way through Albert Square one final time, with a floral tribute reading “Dot” visible inside the horse-led carriage carrying the late launderette worker.

Another shows Russell, played by Lord Michael Cashman, dressed all in black at the service.

The actor said he was “humbled” to be invited back to EastEnders to appear during the funeral of Dot.

Lord Cashman told the PA news agency: “When I got the first message asking if I’d be interested in returning, it was an unequivocal, unqualified ‘yes’.

“I couldn’t imagine Colin not being at his amazing friend Dot’s funeral and I couldn’t imagine not being there for June.

“She created a television icon that will stretch beyond the test of time. I had to be there and I was humbled that they thought of me.”

Viewers saw Walford residents learn about Dot’s passing in Thursday night’s episode (December 1), with her funeral due to be aired in the coming weeks.