Natalie Cassidy has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of losing her longtime EastEnders co-star June Brown, describing it as a 'very, very difficult time'. The actress, who has played Sonia Fowler for 31 years, said she felt a heavy responsibility leading the special funeral episode for Brown's character Dot Cotton.
Brown, who died in April 2022 at age 95, had portrayed the iconic chain-smoking launderette worker for 35 years. The soap paid tribute with a funeral episode that aired eight months after her death, which Cassidy said was a challenge. 'There was a lot resting on my shoulders, I think I did her proud,' she told The Mirror.
Cassidy recalled fond memories of Brown, noting that even at 82, Brown would 'be partying in a nightclub'. She added: 'She taught me a lot and we had a lot of laughs over the years.' The on-screen funeral featured appearances by returning characters including Ian Beale and Colin Russell, as well as three of Brown's real-life children.
Cassidy has since launched a new BBC podcast titled Off The Telly with Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page, where they discuss weekly TV programmes.
