EastEnders star promises emotional Sonia scenes in Dot funeral episode

EastEnders spoilers follow.

EastEnders star James Bye has promised there will be some emotional scenes involving Sonia Fowler in Dot Branning’s upcoming funeral episode.

“The funeral for Dot is coming up – Martin plays quite a huge part in that, and for Sonia, as a support network for Sonia,” he told RadioTimes at the NTAs last night (October 13).

“And we’ve been filming those episodes today and any EastEnders fans are gonna struggle with it, because it’s really tearful. It’s beautiful. Natalie Cassidy gives the performance of her life. There’s not a dry eye in the house.”

BBC

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Dot’s funeral is both a tribute to the character and longtime EastEnders star June Brown, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 95.

Returning to the soap for the emotional send-off are former Walford stars Jacqueline Jossa (Lauren Branning), Lord Michael Cashman (Colin Russell), Gary Hailes (Barry Clark), Tom Watt (Lofty Holloway), Linda Davidson (Mary Smith) and Jan Graveson (Disa O’Brien).

“Coming back to EastEnders for Dot’s funeral was a no-brainer, and it was a real honour to be invited back,” said Jossa, who left Albert Square back in 2018. “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.”

BBC

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Linda Davidson added: “I felt honoured to be asked to come back. It’s going to be an emotionally difficult few days, however the script is wonderful and it’s a joyful tribute to an East End legend.

“We were close friends for 37 years so I have quite the memory bank to choose from! But professionally, the highlight of my career was when Dot asked Mary to kneel and pray with her – there wasn’t a dry eye amongst all the crew!

“June really tutored me on the art of being still and taking my time in the scene, and was such a generous caring actor. I loved her very much.”

EastEnders airs on Mondays – Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.

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