June Brown, the actress who played Dot Cotton in EastEnders, has died at the age of 95, the BBC has announced.
She died at her home in Surrey on Sunday with her family by her side.
An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “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 2,884 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 in June’s memory.
“Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten.”
A statement from Brown’s family said: “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.”
One of the original stars of EastEnders, she played chain-smoking busy-body Dot Cotton in the soap for 35-years.
She first stepped in Albert Square in 1985, shortly after the soap began. She had been recommended to the show’s producers by actor Leslie Grantham, who played Dirty Den.