Patsy Palmer praises 'professional' June Brown in heartfelt tribute

Patsy Palmer has praised the late June Brown as "professional to the core" and "so much fun to work with" in a heartfelt tribute to the soap legend.

The 49-year-old star is one of a number of 'EastEnders' icon June's co-stars who have taken to social media to remember the actress - after she passed away at her home in Surrey on Sunday (03.04.22) aged 95 - and Patsy joked she recalls the star's "clever delivery of even the most terrible scripts".

Patsy - who played Bianca Jackson in the BBC One soap - wrote on Instagram: "Oh June what words can I say about such a wonderful woman !!!! I honestly thought you would be here forever . Such a BRILLIANT ACTRESS !!!!! YOU ARE EASTENDERS ! Such an ICON and so much fun to work with . I loved working on scenes with you . Your silence , your clever delivery of even the most terrible scripts I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU . You brought joy to so many for many years . June I love you have a safe transition. Babara Is surely waiting for you to take care of you up there . RIP you beautiful woman . You always get the award for best actress in my book . Stunning , professional to the core ! A true actress from those wonderful days of inspiration for the younger generation that wanted to act . I loved your story’s . Always had a fag hanging out your mouth but you wouldn’t be you without it (sic)"

June was best known for playing EastEnders' Dot Cotton from 1985 to 1993 and again from 1997 to 2020.

Natalie Cassidy, who plays Dot's granddaughter Sonia Fowler in the show, also paid tribute to June, admitting her passing is an "end of an era".

She wrote: "I can’t believe I can’t find a nice photo of us. But all my memories are with me and I feel so proud to have not only worked with June, but to have called her my friend. End of an era."

Danny Dyer - who plays Mick Carter - admitted it was a "privilege" to share the screen with June.

He posted: "Rest in peace June. So privileged to have graced the screen with ya. An icon in its truest form."

Emma Barton (Honey Mitchell) wrote: "A good few glasses of wine in at this point… rightly so…

Dearest June.. great to be with, honour to play with, on off the screen

I will treasure our time together forever (sic)"

'EastEnders' also paid tribute to June following her 2,884 episodes as Dot.

A spokesperson 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 2,884 episodes, June’s remarkable performances created some of 'EastEnders' finest moments.

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

BBC Director-General Tim Davie added: "June Brown was a brilliantly talented actor who was loved by millions.

"Her performances as the incomparable Dot Cotton delivered some of the most memorable moments in soap history.

"June was hugely loved by the cast and crew and she will always hold a special place in the public’s affections. Our thoughts are with her family and many friends."