EastEnders first look snaps as BBC One soap films Dot Cotton's emotional funeral

Current and former EastEnders characters have turned out in force for Dot Cotton's funeral, with iconic characters making their return to Albert Square for the emotional scenes.The mass return to Walford includes Jacqueline Jossa, who has returned to the role of Lauren Branning for the first time since her departure in 2018. Alongside Lauren, another five characters are returning to say their goodbyes to the much-loved Dot.

EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa has revealed details about her return to Albert Square.The star, 29, who played the role of Lauren Branning for eight years before leaving in 2018, is set to appear in scenes of Dot Branning's funeral. Actress June Brown portrayed the character of Dot for 35 years before she died in April of this year at the age of 95. Speaking about her return to Walford, Jacqueline said: "Coming back to EastEnders for Dot's funeral was a no-brainer, and it was a real honour to be invited back.

EastEnders has officially confirmed that former characters including George 'Lofty' Holloway, Lauren Branning and Mary 'The Punk' Smith are among those set to return to Albert Square for the funeral of Dot Branning later this year.

EastEnders has confirmed that six characters will be returning for Dot Cotton's emotional funeral after actress June Brown passed away aged 95 in April. Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), George "Lofty" Holloway (Tom Watt), Colin Russell (Lord Michael Cashman CBE), Barry Clark (Gary Hailes), Mary "the punk" Smith (Linda Davidson) and Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson) will join together to say goodbye to Dot. The returning cast are currently filming scenes for the emotional funeral, where they share their cherished memories of Dot, and will also bring viewers up to date with their lives.

Former EastEndersstar Jacqueline Jossa is hoping her return to Albert Square in a few weeks could kick start her working life again. Jac, who played Lauren Branning from 2010 to 2018, is reprising her role for the funeral of Lauren’s step-grandmother, Dot Branning (played by the late June Brown). And, according to a source who spoke exclusively to OK! this week, Jac, 29, is "thrilled" to get back to Walford.

EastEnders have revealed a tragic storyline is on the way for character Lola Pearce who is set to be diagnosed with a brain tumour.The BBC soap producers have said they are working alongside Brain Tumour Research and Macmillan Cancer Support on the storyline, which will begin this autumn. Viewers will see Lola and her loved ones deal with her diagnosis as the plot follows the experience of Lola and those around her as she deals with the reality of being a young person living with a brain tumour.

The cast of BBC EastEnders enjoyed a big night out as newcomer Bobby Brazier and his co-stars were spotted at Tulley's Shocktober Fest in Crawley. Jeff Brazier and Jade Goody's son, Bobby, 19, brought along his brother Freddie, 18, as they joined his EastEnders co-stars Shane Richie, Max Boden, Jaden Ladega, Dean Gaffney, Jamie Borthwick and Tony Clay at the Halloween themed attraction. Dressed for the Autumn weather, Bobby and Freddie posed for photos both wearing large warm black puffer coats.

There's a familiar face heading back to Albert Square as Jacqueline Jossa has been spotted filming scenes as part of sensational return to EastEnders at Dot Branning’s emotional funeral.The actress, 29, left the soap four years ago when her character moved to New Zealand but is back at the Elstree Studios to give Dot a good send off as part of a special tribute episode to June Brown, who played the iconic character for 35 years. A horse-drawn hearse with a floral arrangement spelling "Dot" was seen heading to the set and a source told The Sun: “Bosses got in touch with Jacq about returning for Dot’s special episode and she was more than happy to come back.They added: “She was back last week filming her little guest stint.” An EastEnders spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by OK!.