EastEnders begin filming emotional scenes for Dot Cotton’s funeral in honour of the late June Brown

EastEnders has begun filming a tribute episode for in memory of the late June Brown, with a whole host of familiar faces returning to honour the actress.

In scenes that will air this winter, Albert Square will say goodbye to her long-standing character of Dot Cotton with a special funeral episode.

Previously, secret snaps from set were leaked on Monday showing horses and a carriage carrying Dot’s coffin.

Tribute: EastEnders has begun filming a tribute episode for in memory of the late June Brown, with a whole host of familiar faces returning to honour the actress (pictured on set in 2018)

A floral tribute spelling out Dot’s name was also revealed, before being covered up quickly.

EastEnders actors Jamie Borthwick and Tony Clay were snapped heading out for food in between filming scenes for the funeral, with Tony still wearing his black mourners outfit.

The beloved character of Dot left the show in January 2020 to go to Ireland with her grandson Charlie.

But after soap star June sadly passed away in April of this year at the age of 95, news of Dot’s death will soon get back to her family in Walford. 

Saying goodbye: In scenes that will air this winter, Albert Square will say goodbye to the long-standing character of Dot Cotton with a special funeral episode

Saying goodbye: In scenes that will air this winter, Albert Square will say goodbye to the long-standing character of Dot Cotton with a special funeral episode

She portrayed the role of Dot for 35 years, and was part of the Branning clan after marrying character Jim Branning in 2002.

The source continued to The Sun: ‘EastEnders bosses are pulling out all the stops to show just how much June was loved by the cast and crew.

‘She was a huge part of EastEnders and her legacy will live on in Albert Square forever. She will never be forgotten.’

Revealed: Previously secret snaps from set were leaked on Monday, showing a carriage and horses carrying Dot's coffin

Revealed: Previously secret snaps from set were leaked on Monday, showing a carriage and horses carrying Dot’s coffin

‘Without giving anything away the script is beautiful and what she would have wanted. It was an incredibly hard couple of days on set as she was so loved. But everyone was determined to give June and Dot the send off she deserved.’    

Residents will be paying their respects to the iconic character during her funeral, with several actors reportedly returning for the emotional episode.

Jacqueline Jossa allegedly returned to set last week, playing the role of Lauren Branning – which she played from 2010 to 2018.

Tragic: A floral tribute spelling out Dot's name was also revealed, before being covered up quickly

Tragic: A floral tribute spelling out Dot’s name was also revealed, before being covered up quickly

Farewell: The beloved character of Dot left the show in January 2020 to go to Ireland with her grandson Charlie

Farewell: The beloved character of Dot left the show in January 2020 to go to Ireland with her grandson Charlie

Sad news: But after soap star June sadly passed away in April of this year at the age of 95, news of Dot's death will soon get back to her family in Walford

Sad news: But after soap star June sadly passed away in April of this year at the age of 95, news of Dot’s death will soon get back to her family in Walford

According to The Sun, the actress headed to EastEnders’ Elstree Studios to film the scenes – noting that she was ‘more than happy’ to return.

A source told the publication: ‘Bosses got in touch with Jacq about returning for Dot’s special episode and she was more than happy to come back. She was back last week filming her little guest stint.’

MailOnline contacted representatives of Jacqueline at the time, while representatives for EastEnders declined to comment.

Break: EastEnders actors Jamie Borthwick and Tony Clay were also snapped heading out for food in between filming scenes for the funeral

Funeral attire: Tony was still wearing his black mourners outfit

Break: EastEnders actors Jamie Borthwick and Tony Clay were also snapped heading out for food in between filming scenes for the funeral, with Tony still wearing his black mourners outfit

It’s no surprise that Jacqueline would be up for the return, as she’s previously revealed that she’d ‘obviously’ love to go back.

On-screen, Lauren left the show following the death of her sister Abi Branning, as she took off from Walford to start a new life in New Zealand. 

But admitting she’d be keen to see where her character’s story could go next, the star told her 3.5M instagram followers last year that she’d only go back if her on-sceeen dad, Max Branning (Jake Wood) did too.

Back again? Jacqueline Jossa, 29,  'has returned to the EastEnders set to reprise her role of Lauren Branning'... four years after leaving the soap

Back again? Jacqueline Jossa, 29,  ‘has returned to the EastEnders set to reprise her role of Lauren Branning’… four years after leaving the soap

Reprisal: According to The Sun , the actress headed to EastEnders' Elstree Studios last week to film the scenes - noting that she was 'more than happy' to return

Reprisal: According to The Sun , the actress headed to EastEnders’ Elstree Studios last week to film the scenes – noting that she was ‘more than happy’ to return

‘The timing would have to be right. It would only happen if all the Brannings came back at the same time. So EastEnders would have to want us all back.’ 

Jacqueline candidly spoke earlier this year about having money woes after leaving the soap, admitting she was forced to sell her house at the time. 

But a year later, things took an upwards turn as she went on to win I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here. 

Only way is up; Jacqueline went on to win I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here just a year after leaving the soap

Only way is up; Jacqueline went on to win I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here just a year after leaving the soap

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