Iconic EastEnders actress June Brown, 91, signs new contract to keep Dot Cotton in Walford

June Brown has signed a new contract to stay on in EastEnders as legendary character Dot Cotton.

The 91-year-old actress has put pen to paper to keep the iconic character in Albert Square, despite reports that she could step away from the soap.

Brown told Digital Spy: “I'm delighted that EastEnders have allowed me to keep playing Dot whilst also accommodating me to take on other work opportunities.”

Her comments to the publication came after a report by The Sun claiming bosses were keen to keep the veteran soap actress due to her popularity with older viewers and “huge fanbase”.

A source told them: “She’s a real character and the rest of the cast and crew love her too.

"They want her to be on the show as long as she feels comfortable acting so are delighted that she’s agreed to renew her contract.”

They added: “June finds working regularly keeps her feeling young at heart and enjoys the job immensely.”

June has played Dot since 1985, becoming a fan-favourite over the years and capturing the hearts of viewers both young and old.

The beloved laundrette worker, who was recently replaced by Karen Taylor in the store, has been an integral part of the soap opera and key storylines involving her criminal son Nick, played by John Altman, and her marriage to Jim Branning from 2002 until 2015.

EastEnders airs Mondays and Fridays at 8pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.