Could long term resident and EastEnders favourite Dot Branning (June Brown) be the next in a long list of favourites to be leaving the soap?
In last night’s episode (27 September), Dot received some news which could shake things up in the coming months.
Troubled as a stranger walked into the launderette and started to measure up, Dot was informed that there would soon be some changes in store.
Phoning Mr Papadopolous Jr to confirm the stranger’s information, Dot receives the news that the launderette is to be turned into a dry cleaners – and that her job might not be safe.
Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) asks as Dot got off the phone: “Bad news?”
To which Dot replied: “Well, that depends on the fabric content of your wardrobe. Mr Papadopoulos Junior, he's having the place turned into a dry cleaners.
“Market forces, new consortium, moving with the times – all that old balderdash.
Despite Shirley reassuring Dot that her job would be safe, sadly Dot said: “Well, it appears that I'm going to be interviewed for my own job.”
The launderette has been open for business since the soap’s launch in 1985, and Dot has been an assistant there for most of that time.
June Brown plays the second longest serving character on the BBC soap, behind original character Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).
Since the episode aired, fans have taken to social media to share their support for Dot keeping her job:
Could this really be the end of the iconic launderette?
And if Dot loses her job, will she leave Walford to retire and go to Florida to see her granddaughter Dotty?
Earlier this year June signed a contract to play Dot until she’s 90-years-old – which happens to be in February 2017.
And new executive producer Sean O’Connor has been making some BIG changes for the soap – paving the way for new faces, shock exits and exciting storylines.
We certainly don’t want to see the lovely Dot leave Albert Square anytime soon, it wouldn’t be the same without her!
EastEnders continues Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One.
Would you be sad to see Dot leave the soap?
Let us know via Facebook and Twitter (@CloserOnline).
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