Actress June Brown, who played the beloved character Dot Cotton on Eastenders for over three decades, has died at the age of 95.

Brown first appeared in the EastEnders back in 1985 - the year that it was created! She would continue with the show until 1993, only to return in 1997 to play the same character until 2020.

Dot Cotton was one of the soap's longest-running characters and a fan favourite amongst its viewership.The actress and mother-of-six was born in rural Suffolk in 1927. She died at her home in Surrey last Sunday with her family by her side - two years after her final appearance and 35 years after her debut on EastEnders.Ms Brown's family revealed that she died peacefully in the night.

An EastEnders spokesperson would comment that: "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."

Actor Leslie Grantham, who played Dirty Dan, suggested Brown for the role. Before her appearance on EastEnders her career had incorporated stage, film and television, where she had appearances on Coronation Street and Doctor Who.

Brown was 58 when she landed the role that would make her a household name. The on-screen relationship that she had with her son Nasty Nick Cotton, played by John Altman, captivated millions of viewers who watched in horror as she repeatedly forgave him for his crimes.

Since Brown's death was announced both her fans and colleagues have taken to social media to share some of their favourite TV moments.A

ctor and writer Stephen Fry would tweet out that: "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."BBC director general Tim Davie said: "June Brown was a brilliantly talented actor who was loved by millions' and delivered some of the most memorable moments in soap history"

Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale on EastEnders, commented that: "I'm truly heartbroken by this news. June Brown OBE, MBE, was an amazing woman and a truly wonderful actress. I shared many scenes with her over the years and she was always someone I looked up to and learnt from. There will never be another June Brown and I'm sending all my love to her family."