Jacqueline Jossa set to return to EastEnders as Lauren Branning for Dot Cotton's funeral special

Virgin Radio

3 Oct 2022, 15:30

Jacqueline Jossa is heading back to Albert Square for a special guest appearance in honour of EastEnders' legend, June Brown aka Dot Cotton.

According to The Sun, the actor, who played Lauren Branning from 2010 to 2018 and was Dot's step-grandchild, returned to the Walford set last week to film the tribute episode in memory of the late star.

The soap is holding a funeral for the iconic character Dot Cotton, and Jossa was keen to return for the one-off episode which is thought to feature a horse-drawn hearse with Dot’s name in a floral tribute.

A source told the publication: "Bosses got in touch with Jacq about returning for Dot’s special episode and she was more than happy to come back. She was back last week filming her little guest stint."

June passed away in April this year aged 95 and EastEnders are said to have written a 'beautiful' script to pay tribute to the star, who played Dot for 35 years.

The source continued: "EastEnders bosses are pulling out all the stops to show just how much June was loved by the cast and crew. 

"She was a huge part of EastEnders and her legacy will live on in Albert Square forever. She will never be forgotten."

The star told followers on Instagram last year that she'd only return to the soap if her on-screen dad, Max Branning (Jake Wood), did as well.

"The timing would have to be right. It would only happen if all the Brannings came back at the same time. So EastEnders would have to want us all back."