Famed for her role as Dot Cotton

The sad passing of 'EastEnders' legend June Brown has been confirmed today.

She is best known for her role as Dot Cotton in the soap 'EastEnders'. Brown first appeared in the long-running show in 1985. She retired in February 2020 as one of the show's longest-running actors, spanning 35 years, across 2884 episodes.

After her retirement, Brown stated that she had left the series "for good". In her final episode Dot left a voicemail for Sonia Fowler saying she had moved to Ireland.

Brown, who was 95, was born in Suffolk in 1927. Towards the end of the Second World War, she served in the Women's Royal Naval Service. It was there that she claimed to have found a love for acting.

Brown was a classically trained actress, winning a scholarship to the Old Vic Theatre School where she met her first husband John Garley.

In 1958, following her husband's death, she re-married. This time with actor Robert Arnold. The couple shared 45 years of marriage and had six children together.

June's family said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved mother, June, passed away very peacefully at her home in Surrey on Sunday evening, with her family by her side. We would kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time."

A spokesperson for 'EastEnders' also released a statement following the news:

"We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown OBE MBE sadly passed away last night.

"There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten. June created one of the most iconic characters in Dot Cotton, not just in soap but in British television, and having appeared in 2884 episodes, June's remarkable performances created some of EastEnders finest moments. We send all our love and deepest sympathies to June's family and friends.

"A very bright light has gone out at EastEnders today but we shall all be raising a sweet sherry to June's memory. Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten."