Natalie Cassidy struggled to fight back the tears as her tribute to EastEnders star June Brown on The One Show turned emotional.
On Monday (April 4) it was announced that the star better known as Dot Cotton on the BBC soap had sadly passed away at the age of 95.
The 38-year-old actress who was close friend of the beloved laundrette manageress on and off screen appeared via video link on the programme hosted by Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas.
Having played the role of Sonia Fowler since 1993, Natalie had some fond memories to share with the hosting duo and wanted to “do her proud” with her tribute.
(Image: BBC)
Natalie hailed June as “a powerhouse” who was funny and warm but kept the whole cast on their toes when it came to perfecting scenes.
The welsh presenter asked Natalie: “I mean you knew her on-screen and off-screen, you were great friends and would holiday together all sorts of things but why do you think then that the nation really did take her to their hearts as Dot?”
(Image: BBC)
In response, Natalie almost choked up as she said: “Because I think she created Dot herself, I know it was written on a page but that character, she created and it was so real to life to have that woman around town who knew every-bodies business.
“Every single scene she did every word she said was truthful and that’s why I think everybody fell in love with her.
(Image: PA)
Meanwhile, the BBC underwent a major show shake up in a bid to honour the TV icon.
Instead of televising Panorama at 8pm on Monday, the BBC opted for a fitting tribute to the late June Brown.
A statement about the switch-up featured on the Panorama Twitter page, the update read: “Tonight’s Panorama has been postponed to allow for a tribute to EastEnders actress June Brown, who has died aged 95
“Panorama’s Obesity: Who Cares if I’m Bigger? will now air on Wednesday, 20 April at 8:30pm on @BBCOne.”
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
