EastEnders mourns the loss of Walford matriarch Dot Branning after her death was announced during Thursday’s episode (December 1).
The character was last seen in Walford in 2020 before moving to Ireland to live with her grandson, Charlie Cotton.
But back on the Square, Sonia Fowler received the news that Dot had passed away in her sleep after a final meal with Charlie and her great grandchildren.
READ MORE: EastEnders fans all say the same thing as they swoon over Ricky Butcher’s return
Accompanied by Kathy Beale and Dotty Cotton, Sonia entered the Queen Vic to shared the devastating news.
Sonia explained: “She had dinner with Charlie and her great-grandkids, had a final ciggie, and went up to bed with a paracetamol. Last thing she said was, ‘I’ve got one of my heads coming on’.”
(Image: BBC)
She continued: “She didn’t suffer. She fell asleep, peacefully. Charlie found her this morning. Rollers in. Packet of fags and her Bible next to her.”
As Sharon wiped away her tears, Dotty broke down in tears at the realisation her grandmother was gone and was comforted by Rocky.
The Walford residents rallied together and began recalling their fondest memories of their beloved Dot.
As Freddie Slater asked who Dot was, Bernadette responded with the simple statement: “She was like a nan to everyone.”
(Image: bbc)
Long-running character Patrick Trueman also spoke about his memories of Dot and suggested everyone have a drink in order to give her something to “disapprove” of before raising a toast.
Elsewhere, Jack Branning raised a glass with Denise Fox and Patrick as they noted Dot would be reunited with her late husband, Jim Branning who died in 2015.
Later, the residents came together to turn on the Christmas lights where Mick Carter paid tribute to Dot in his speech.
He said: “It’s an emotional one this year because we say goodbye to Dot and it’s appropriate because she did love that baby Jesus. And she loved her family. And that’s every single one of you standing here now.”
(Image: BBC)
“So in memory of Dot, Merry Christmas,” he added before turning the lights on.
Across the square, Sonia entered Dot’s home and picked up an old family photo of Dot and Jim alongside herself and her brother Robbie Jackson.
She then walked to the living room door and said: “Goodnight, Dot,” before closing it and leaving.
The episode’s end credits then played in silence to pay tribute to the late character and June Brown, who passed away earlier this year.
For more of the latest showbiz and TV news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here .
READ NEXT:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
