EastEnders’ June Brown was told to carry on smoking by doctors, according to her on-screen son.
Yesterday, it was confirmed that the Dot Cotton star died at the age of 95, having passed away 'peacefully' at her home in Surrey on Sunday (3 April).
John Altman, 70, who portrayed Dot’s son ‘Nasty Nick’ Cotton in the long-running BBC soap, said in 2020 that June was on half a pack of cigarettes a day on doctor’s orders.
He said at the time: “She is still smoking, unfortunately, but the doctors have told her not to stop now.
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"She loves her ciggies. She smokes at least ten a day.”
The Walford legend, who appeared in 2,884 episodes of the show from 1985 to 2020, had a 20-a-day habit for seven decades.
Although she had tried to quit in 2019 by using e-cigarettes, she said they were too heavy to hold and went back to the cigs.
John also spoke about June’s eyesight, which was one of the reasons she quit EastEnders over fears she might not be able to read the script.
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He added: “Her eyesight’s not brilliant but apart from that she is full of beans. She gets the Kindle and her glasses, so she can still read.”
Tributes continue to pour in for the late star, including one from an EastEnders spokesperson who said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE, sadly passed away last night.
“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 2,884 episodes, June’s remarkable performances created some of EastEnders’ finest moments.
“We send all our love and deepest sympathies to June’s family and friends. A very bright light has gone out at EastEnders today but we shall all be raising a sweet sherry in June’s memory.
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“Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten.”
A statement from June’s family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved mother, June, passed away very peacefully at her home in Surrey on Sunday evening, with her family by her side.
“We would kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
Topics: TV and Film, BBC
Daisy Phillipson