Classic EastEnders stars will return to pay their respects at the funeral of Albert Square icon Dot Cotton this winter.
BBC soap bosses have revealed that Old friends including Colin Russell (Lord Michael Cashman CBE), Barry Clark (Gary Hailes) George ‘Lofty’ Holloway (Tom Watt), Mary ‘’the punk’ Smith (Linda Davidson) and Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson) will join Dot’s step-granddaughter Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) to say goodbye.
The returning cast are currently filming the funeral scenes, due to air later this year.
READ NEXT: EastEnders Dot Cotton star June Brown’s family life – tragic losses to six children
The stars will also be paying their respects to their late co-star June Brown, who died earlier this year at the age of 95 years old.
(Image: BBC)
Speaking about her return to the square, Lauren Branning star Jacqueline Jossa said: “Coming back to EastEnders for Dot’s funeral was a no-brainer, and it was a real honour to be invited back.
“I had a lot of fun but, of course, it was bittersweet. It was amazing to be back, but hard to be filming this storyline.
“I can tell the viewers now that Dot gets the beautiful send-off that she deserves.
(Image: BBC / Jack Barnes)
“June was the light and joy of EastEnders. I had so much fun working with her, the incredible stories and how infectious & witty she was. June is a legend and I miss her very much.”
Lord Michael Cashman CBE and Gary Hailes will also appear alongside one another for the first time since 1989, following their character’s on-screen romance and heartbreaking split.
Viewers will wonder where Colin and Barry now fit into each other’s lives, so many years after their bittersweet break-up, with the scenes bringing viewers up to date with their lives, as they share their cherished memories of Dot.
(Image: PA)
Lord Cashman said: “When I was asked back I didn’t even hesitate because I couldn’t have imagined not being there for June, and I know Colin couldn’t have imagined not being there for Dot – they had that amazing, deep friendship that lasted during their years, and it was exactly the same with June and me.
“June was unique, and there are so many incredible stories I could tell, but amongst my favourite moments of Dot was her monologue to Jim – she was a character, and actress, that will last beyond the test of time.”
Colin star Gary Hailes added: “Being invited back to the show after almost 30 years away was exciting, scary, strange, but overall it was really nice!
“EastEnders has always been a big part of my life so to have the opportunity to come back – there were nerves – but that quickly turned into excitement, and warmth at the chance to honour Dot.
“June was an incredibly genuine person both on and off-screen, she really cared and was attentive to people. That’s one thing I’ll never forget.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
