BBC special will honour EastEnders star June Brown as she turns 90

June Brown

by Jadie Troy-Pryde |
Published on

When we think of EastEnders, it’s almost impossible to imagine Albert Square without our favourite long-term resident, Dot Branning.

Whether she is dishing out advice to her neighbours, or taking in those who need her help, Dot has been one of Walford’s biggest characters for over thirty years.

Actress June Brown, who plays the beloved laundrette owner, turns 90 in February and in order to celebrate her life the BBC are honouring the star with her own half-hour programme.

dot-branning
June appearing in EastEnders (Credit: BBC) ©BBC

June Brown at 90 – A Walford Legend will showcase her life and career, and will feature tributes from the co-stars that she has worked closely with on EastEnders, including Danny Dyer who plays Mick Carter, Gillian Taylforth who plays Kathy Beale, and Natalie Cassidy who plays Sonia Fowler.

June has been a soap favourite since she started on EastEnders in 1985, arriving in Walford as Dot Cotton, mother of bad boy Nick Cotton.

Since then we have seen her go through her fair share of trials and tribulations – from her son swindling her at every opportunity, to the sad loss of her best friend Ethel Skinner, to the heart breaking death of her husband, Jim Branning.

dot-and-jim
Dot and Jim married in 2002 (Credit: BBC)

Despite her hardships, she has always been a kind heart on the Square and we certainly couldn’t imagine E20 without her.

Bosses are reportedly offering an eye-watering sum of £300,000 to continue her contract with the soap.

A source told The Mirror: “They realise June isn’t getting any younger but she has inimated that she wants to carry on in the role as long as she feels able, so that is great news.”

EastEnders star June Brown reveals she can’t afford to quit soap, despite health fears
Dot Branning has been a Square favourite since 1985 (Credit: BBC)

We can’t wait to watch the show to find out all about June’s life as one of soaps biggest names.

Watch June Brown At 90 – A Walford Legend on Thursday 16 February at 8pm, BBC One.

What is your favourite memory of Dot Branning? Let us know @CloserOnline via Facebook or Twitter.

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