EastEnders fans emotional as soap airs tribute to Dot Cotton on anniversary

EastEnders fans were left emotional after the BBC One soap aired a sweet nod to Dot Cotton during the latest episode.

Dot was one of the best-loved characters to ever hit Albert Square, with actress June Brown passing away two months ago at the age of 95.

Monday's episode (July 4) marked 37 years to the date that June first popped up on our screens as the iconic Dot.

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With that in mind, the soap paid a special tribute to her involving Sonia Fowler, played by Natalie Cassidy.

Sonia said almost the exact script lines June read in her first soap scene back in 1985, in the very same location – the café.

On top of that, but Sonia was also wearing a coat similar to that worn by Dot in the moment that aired over three decades ago.

Sonia walked into the café she made a request to Kathy Beale, saying: "Give us a tea Kath, and a glass of water so I can take a paracetamol."

This was almost identical to Dot's opening line as she too walked into the café on this very day 37 years ago.

Served by Lofty, she said: "Give us a tea Lofty, and a glass of water so I can take a paracetamol."

Viewers were quick to pick up on the nod to the character and June, and took to Twitter to praise the moment.

One viewer said: "Lovely tribute to Dot’s first ever scene in tonight’s first episode."

Another commented: "This is really sweet! I love June Brown and Dorothy Cotton! Both legends. She will be missed."

While a third tweeted: "Love the shout out to Dot with Sonia’s line. First line Dot said when she arrived on the square"

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

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