EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders will be paying a special tribute to the late June Brown in an upcoming storyline, which will see news reach Albert Square that Dot has sadly passed away.
Fans have been told to expect "an emotional goodbye" to the iconic soap character, after June passed away in April 2022 at the age of 95. Her final appearance in the role of Dot had aired in January 2020.
Jacqueline Jossa, who played Lauren Branning from 2010 to 2018, will reportedly be making a brief return for Dot's funeral, and she's unlikely to be the only familiar face popping back for the poignant occasion. So, who else could be joining her? Here's a roundup of possibilities:
1. Charlie Cotton
Top of our list is Dot's grandson Charlie, who was last seen in the Square in 2017.
Dot shared a close relationship with Charlie, played by Declan Bennett, and she's been living with him in Ireland since her last on-screen appearance. It's because of this that we can't think of a feasible fictional reason why he wouldn't be at her Walford send-off, but stranger things have obviously happened in Soapland.
Fans will know that Charlie is also the father of the late Ronnie Mitchell's son Matthew. Charlie was last seen reclaiming custody of Matthew in the months after Ronnie's tragic death, devastating Jack in the process.
2. Rose Cotton
Dot's half-sister Rose, played by Polly Perkins, made her final appearance in Walford in 2012, when she left to reunite with son Andrew (more on that to come).
But when news of Dot's death inevitably reaches Rose, will she head back to the Square to pay her final respects to her beloved sibling?
3. Andrew Cotton
Much like his mum, Andrew is also on our list of anticipated returns.
Dot's nephew Andrew is probably best-remembered for his ill-fated romance with Heather Trott, and left the show in 2012 after being falsely accused of her murder.
During his year-long stay in Walford, Andrew's bond with Dot was palpable, so could we be seeing him again for this special episode?
4. Max Branning
Max might be gone, but he hasn't been forgotten thanks to the destruction he left in his wake. And if we're honest, a return for the Walford lothario has always felt somewhat inevitable.
With his daughter Lauren already confirmed to be making a brief comeback, all eyes are currently on Max to see if he's heading back for the sad occasion, too.
And with Linda facing a lonely future once Mick bows out, could Max even find a reason to stick around beyond this?
5. Ian Beale
Ian's perplexing fate appears to be something of an ongoing mystery at the moment, with Adam Woodyatt saying more recently "that he doesn't know the answer" and that it isn't his call.
Ian was last seen walking out of Walford under a cloud in January 2021, following a poisonous showdown with Sharon Watts.
That said, Ian is one of Dot's oldest friends and confidantes, and we can't see how the show could pay tribute to the icon without him. So, could an Ian return be coming sooner than we think?
6. Carol Jackson
Dot's stepdaughter Carol was last seen riding out of Walford in 2015 on Jim's old motorbike, determined to start afresh after a challenging few years.
Carol was always a rock to her family, offering unwavering support through the clan's varying dramas (and there have been a few!), and despite a few questionable blips during the Rocky storyline, she is still known to be in contact with her daughter Sonia.
Therefore, there's every chance Carol could pop back to say one final goodbye to Dot, but as for a more long-term comeback, we aren't feeling all that hopeful.
7. Bex Fowler
As Sonia's daughter, Bex loved Dot like her grandmother and we wouldn't be surprised if news of her passing brought the youngster back to Walford.
Bex bowed out of the Square in early 2020, when she decided to go traveling for a few months – only never to return – until now, perhaps?
8. Colin Russell
Colin was the BBC soap's first ever gay character and was part of a groundbreaking time in TV back in the show's early days.
Colin was last seen when he returned briefly in 2016 in a story that saw him share news of his wedding with Dot, so it would seem very fitting for him to head back to Walford to pay his respects to her now.
9 & 10. Lofty and Mary
EastEnders treated fans to a dose of nostalgia when Lofty and Mary returned to the show in 2019, for the funeral of legendary character Doctor Legg.
Tom Watt and Linda Davidson both reprised their respective roles, having not played them in decades, so we can only hope it gave them a taste for it again.
Could the much-loved pair make another appearance to say their final goodbyes to Dot as well? Only time will tell.
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage.
Request video message from past EastEnders stars
One of Them: From Albert Square to Parliament Square by Michael Cashman
BBC EastEnders: Christmas Specials collection
