EastEnders fans are astonished to discover Dot Cotton’s hidden Christmas tradition that spanned more than 32 years.
Dot was portrayed by the late June Brown, who captivated audiences as the beloved character for nearly 40 years on the iconic BBC soap.
June passed away at the age of 95 from natural causes in April 2022, and her character was given a heartfelt send-off, with the cast of Albert Square coming together for Dot’s funeral that same year.
Reflecting on her iconic episodes, fans discovered that Dot wore the same outfit in every Christmas Day episode since 1988.
From 1988 through her final festive appearance in 2020, Dot consistently donned the same red dress to celebrate the holiday season with her friends and family.
Dot’s iconic look featured a red patterned dress with a collar, often layered with a scarf, coat, or jacket. More frequently than not, she paired the outfit with a light-yellow cardigan, which became a staple during her festive outings.
While many soap characters have signature looks and occasionally re-wear the same clothes, it’s quite rare for one character to hold onto a piece of clothing for over thirty years.
Throughout the years, Dot played a central role in various Christmas storylines, frequently found at the Queen Vic or back home preparing dinner for the Cotton-cum-Branning family.
However, her most notable Christmas storyline unfolded on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. In 2002, Dot’s soon-to-be husband, Jim Branning, proposed to her aboard the London Eye on Christmas Eve.
Additionally, in 2008, Dot wore the dress again when she met her granddaughter, Dotty, for the first time. Her son Nick brought his little girl along for the Christmas holidays, marking his grand return to the soap after a seven-year absence.
In 2022, June’s character was given a heartfelt send-off, with the cast of Albert Square coming together for Dot’s funeral in an episode that aired eight months after her passing.
The on-screen funeral was particularly poignant, as it featured three of June’s real-life children—Sophie, Nim, and Billy—who requested to be part of the emotional scenes.
The heartbreaking yet heartwarming episode featured the late Mrs. Branning laid to rest beside her closest friend, Ethel Skinner (Gretchen Franklin), who passed away in 2000 after a terminal cancer diagnosis.
In a touching moment, Sonia chose to listen to a tape that Dot recorded for her late husband, Jim, shortly after he suffered a stroke in 2007. Jim later died in 2015 from a fatal heart attack.
A special tribute to Dot Cotton wouldn’t be complete without the return of veteran characters. Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) came back to Walford, paying his respects to the beloved Dot from a distance.
Also present to say their goodbyes were Colin Russell (Michael Cashman) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), who watched as horses led Dot’s coffin past No. 27, The Queen Vic, and through Albert Square.
For decades, June was one of the most recognizable faces on British television, portraying the devout Christian Dot Cotton, known for her chain-smoking, gossiping, and caring for those in need while working at the launderette.
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