EastEnders will bid farewell to Walford legend Dot Branning in an episode to be broadcast later this year, it has been revealed.
The development comes following the death of actress June Brown at the age of 95, and almost three years after Dot left Albert Square for a new life in Ireland.
Later this year news reaches the Square that Dot has died in Ireland, but as per her wishes her funeral will be held in Walford, with her closest friends and family turning out for her send-off.
EastEnders exec producer Chris Clenshaw said: "Everyone at EastEnders was truly heartbroken when June passed away earlier this year and, for quite a while, no-one could even think about saying goodbye to Dot; an iconic character who will go down in television history and be cherished forever.
"June was always adamant that she never wanted Dot's time to end while she was still with us, but she also knew that EastEnders would rightly say their farewells to Dot when the time was right.
"Sadly that time has come and we are determined to give the audience, who treasured Dot for so many years, the fitting tribute that she so deeply deserves.
"So whilst it will be a very, very sad day in Walford, we will be giving Dot the send-off that she and June would want and rightly deserve."
The episode will air "towards the end of this year".
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