EASTENDERS star Lorraine Stanley can “feel the presence” of late actress June Brown while working on set.
The late soap icon – who died in April, aged 95 – played laundrette boss Dot Branning in the BBC show from 1985 until 2020, and Lorraine’s character Karen Taylor took up the reins of the business after Dot’s Albert Square departure.
Despite her having some big shoes to fill, Lorraine says it’s a real privilege and honour to work in the launderette and she can even feel the presence of her late colleague when filming scenes.
She told the Mirror Online: “I’d never fill June Brown or Dot’s shoes but it’s just an honour to work in there. I do feel the presence of Dot when I’m working in the launderette.
“Whether it is a sense of how she’d say things, there’s something in the air where I feel comfortable and I hope I’m doing her justice.”
Earlier this year, Lorraine shared a heartfelt tribute to the late soap star and admitted the importance of being “passed the baton”.
She said: “We lost an icon in June Brown. Whenever I’m asked who my favourite character is, I always say Dot Cotton – so to have been passed the baton, looking after the launderette is a privilege and an honour.”
Former ‘EastEnders’ star Jacqueline Jossa is one of a number of former Walford regulars who is to return for the iconic character’s funeral later this year, in honour of June.
Jacqueline, who played Dot’s step granddaughter Lauren Branning, said of her return: “Coming back to ‘EastEnders’ for Dot’s funeral was a no-brainer, and it was a real honour to be invited back. I had a lot of fun but, of course, it was bittersweet.
“It was amazing to be back, but hard to be filming this storyline. I can tell the viewers now that Dot gets the beautiful send-off that she deserves. June was the light and joy of ‘EastEnders’.
“I had so much fun working with her, the incredible stories and how infectious and witty she was. June is a legend and I miss her very much.”
