June Brown: EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt and Danny Dyer lead tributes to actress

Tributes have poured in for beloved EastEnders actress June Brown following her death at the age of 95.

The soap legend first joined the long-running BBC soap as chain-smoking launderette worker Dot Cotton in 1985.

Adam Woodyatt, who played Ian Beale, led the tributes to his EastEnders co-star.

He wrote: “I’m lost for words, something June never was. So many memories, so much fun. Just purely and simply an incredible woman who had the most incredible life and career, I was fortunate to have shared a small part of it. They never made you a Dame (we did try), but to me you will always be Dame Brown.”

EastEnders bosses also paid tribute to the star who they said was “loved and adored by everyone” on set.

A spokesperson for EastEnders 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 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 - we shall all be raising a sweet sherry in June’s memory. Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten.”

Danny Dyer, who played Mick Carter, hailed the late star as “an icon in its truest form” in a sweet message.

He wrote: “Rest in peace June. So privileged to have graced the screen with ya. An icon in its truest form.”

EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, who has played Suki Panesar since 2020, also paid tribute to the “mighty” Brown.

She wrote: “A very sad day. I never had the pleasure of meeting/working with the mighty June Brown – but we adored watching her on the telly box.

“What a legacy June leaves behind. Eastenders would not have been the same without her. Love & strength to #Eastenders & June’s loved ones. RIP.”

Maisie Smith, who played Tiffany Butcher, shared a glowing tribute praising Brown for being “beautiful inside and out”.

She wrote: “Beautiful inside and out... Rest in peace June Brown.”

Stars from all walks of showbiz paid tribute to the EastEnders legend.

Piers Morgan celebrated the late star as “funny” and “feisty” in a message on social media.

Morgan tweeted: “RIP June Brown, 95. A wonderfully talented actress whose long-time portrayal of irascible fag-puffing Dot Cotton in EastEnders was one of the all-time great performances in British Television.

“June was such a funny, feisty, fabulous lady off screen too. Very sad news.”

Actor and writer Stephen Fry also said the star would be remembered for being “as a tireless and fearless LGBT ally”.

EastEnders Dot Cotton: June Brown

He tweeted: “June Brown, amongst all her other wonderful human qualities and achievements, will be remembered as a tireless and fearless LGBT ally – especially during the darkest days of HIV/AIDS and Section 28… it was a privilege to know her.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the actress was a “true national treasure”.

“There was nobody quite like June Brown,” Ms Dorries said.

“She captured the zeitgeist of British culture like no other in her many years on our screens. Today we’ve lost a true national treasure but my goodness what a life she has led. Rest in peace.”

EastEnders legend Brown died at her home in Surrey on Sunday with her family by her side.

Her 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.”