EastEnders is set to screen an emotional farewell to one of its most beloved characters when the funeral of Dot Branning, better known as Dot Cotton (June Brown), is broadcast in the near future.
Show boss Chris Clenshaw has promised a ‘fitting tribute to both June and Dot’, and one that he feels “the audience deserves”.
So might the funeral of Walford’s iconic gossip result in some famous faces returning to the Square? Dot’s associations stretch far and wide, so here’s our dream list of mourners we’d like to see make the journey to E20 to say their goodbyes:
Colin Russell
The presence of the openly gay Colin Russell (Michael Cashman) in the 1980s served as a reminder that Dot wasn’t an entirely sympathetic character. Indeed, her prejudices often surfaced in her interactions with Colin, most recently when he returned in 2016 with news of his wedding. Thankfully, Dot chose to attend, so it would make sense for Colin to now be paying his respects.
Nigel and Clare Bates
Rumpled Nigel (Paul Bradley), with his lairy shirts and ties, is one of Dot’s best-remembered lodgers and became a kind of de facto son to her. And despite him not having been a fixture in the Square since 1998, Dot had been known to pay Nigel an occasional off-screen visit. So, both he and his daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix) would certainly be welcome returnees.
Arthur ‘Fatboy’ Chubb
OK, so this one may be a bit of a stretch as it was all-but-confirmed that Fatboy met his maker in a car crusher. But we didn’t actually see his body, which gives EastEnders a small amount of wriggle room when it comes to resurrecting Fats. If we see a wreath of flowers spelling out “Mrs B”, we know who the sender will be…
Ian Beale
There are few surviving characters whose association with Dot is as long standing as Ian’s. And with actor Adam Woodyatt having also held his co-star June Brown in high esteem, Dot’s send-off would be the ideal opportunity for Ian to resurface. Also, we’ve missed the old schemer and need him back where he belongs.
Charlie Cotton
Of all the possible comebacks, Charlie’s (Declan Bennett) would be the most obvious, as Dot had been living with her grandson in Ireland since her abrupt departure from London back in 2020. And he could, of course, bring with him a member of the Cotton clan who we’ve never been given the opportunity to get to know: son Matthew, who’d now be aged seven.
Carol Jackson
After marrying Jim Branning, Dot acquired a whole new branch to her family tree, with one notable part being her stepdaughter Carol. She hasn’t been seen since roaring away from the neighbourhood in 2015 on her father’s motorbike, and actress Lindsay Coulson has been very busy in the meantime. But it’d be rewarding for fans to see Carol reintegrate herself into the community should she decide to show her face.
Rose and Andrew Cotton
It’s now been a decade since Dot’s half-sister Rose (Polly Perkins) was last seen on screen. Those with long memories will recall that, at the time of her exit, she’d grown isolated and unhappy, and so left to reunite with her son Andrew (Ricky Grover). And with both characters still in the land of the living, it feels only appropriate that they now make an appearance.
Max Branning
Max (Jake Wood) is another of the stepchildren who became an official part of Dot’s family after she tied the knot with Jim. And while it’s fair to say that many faces in the Square would fall at the sight of Max suddenly showing up, it would definitely add tension, particularly when it comes to his relationship with Linda (Kellie Bright) and the upcoming exit of Mick (Danny Dyer).
Lauren Branning
And speaking of Max, how about a return for his daughter – and Dot’s granddaughter – Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa)? She’s long been a fan favourite, and with Peter having recently left the scene, it would feel very much like a fresh start for the character should she arrive back – despite the understandable traumatic flashbacks each time she looks up at the roof of the Queen Vic!
Stuart Highway
And so we reach Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ), whose waywardness obviously reminded Dot of her own offspring Nick. Stuart recently left in an acclaimed storyline that saw him attempting to confront his demons. With many feeling that he departed too soon, perhaps now would be the ideal time for him to be reintroduced?
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