BBC EastEnders viewers praise sweet tribute to Dot Cotton that only superfans will have recognised

EastEnders superfans were quick to pick up on a special tribute to Dot Cotton, months after the actress who played her, June Brown, tragically died. Brown, best known for her role as the chain-smoking character, died on April 3 at the age 95 with her family by her side.

During Monday night's trip to Walford, actress Natalie Cassidy recreated the late star's first appearance in the soap, to mark its 37th anniversary. Brown's run as the Albert Square mainstay began on July 4, 1985, when she burst into the Walford cafe asking for a glass of water and paracetamol.

So, Natalie replicated the scene, with her character Sonia Fowler sporting a trench coat and floral dress similar to the one Brown wore in the episode more than three decades ago.

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Speaking to Kathy Beale, played by Gillian Taylforth, Sonia said: “Give us a tea Kath, and a glass of water so I can take a paracetamol. That early shift was a nightmare, I called on the Lord so many times I think I’m turning into Dot."

In the original scene, Dot was served by Lofty, and she said: "Give us a tea Lofty, and a glass of water so I can take a paracetamol." And fans of the BBC One soap were quick to share their thoughts on social media.

@walfordweb tweeted alongside a clip of June's EastEnders debut: "Lovely tribute to Dot’s first ever scene in tonight’s first episode. #EastEnders." @Capripenguin90 replied: "This is really sweet! I love June Brown and Dorothy Cotton! Both legends. She will be missed."

@CHG3899 commented: "Oh my God how did I miss this!" @JermainJulien simply said: "Lovely touch." @mishybabez_ shared: "This was a beautiful moment and June brown will be proud cant