EastEnders star James Bye, who is currently competing in BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing with professional partner Amy Dowden, has been speaking about the upcoming episode of the soap which will see fans and Walford residents say goodbye to Dot Cotton (June Brown).
EastEnders is in the process of paying tribute to the iconic character, in the wake of June Brown’s death at the age of 95.
Fans had been hoping to see a number of familiar faces from years gone by return for what promises to be an incredibly emotional episode.
They’re set to get their wish – with six stars set to reprise their roles.
Colin Russell (Lord Michael Cashman) and his former partner Barry Clark (Gary Hailes) are among those set to return.
George ‘Lofty’ Holloway (Tom Watt) will also step foot back in the Square, as will Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith (Linda Davidson), who both stopped by Walford for a one-off visit back in 2019 for Dr Legg’s funeral.
Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson), who was cared for by Dot during her one-year stint in EastEnders back in 1991, will return for the first time in over 30 years, as will Dot’s very own step-granddaughter Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).
The returning characters’ upcoming appearance will allow viewers the rare opportunity to catch up on what’s been happening in their lives over the past three decades, as they all share their cherished memories of Dot.
Giving fans a taste of what’s to come was James Bye, who plays Martin Fowler.
‘The funeral for Dot is coming up’, he told Radio Times.
‘Martin plays quite a huge part in that, and for Sonia, as a support network for Sonia. And we’ve been filming those episodes today and any EastEnders fans are gonna struggle with it, because it’s really tearful.
‘It’s beautiful, Natalie Cassidy gives the performance of her life. There’s not a dry eye in the house.’
‘It’s an honour to invite so many of Walford’s beloved characters back to pay tribute to Dot,’ EastEnders’ Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said on the upcoming episode.
‘Over the years, Dot profoundly impacted the lives of many young people struggling with life’s biggest challenges.
‘Her warmth, heart and compassion changed lives – so we wanted to reunite some of the people she helped the most.
‘I’m thrilled these talented and generous actors wanted to share this special experience with us so we can give Dot a fitting send-off.’
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