Eastenders actress June Brown has died, aged 95, the BBC has announced.
The much-loved star played the role of Dot Cotton for more than 30 years and had received both an OBE and MBE for her services to drama and to charity.
June’s family have said that she passed away peacefully at home on Sunday evening.
The BBC has said that ‘a bright light has gone out at Eastenders today’.
June Brown, who played Dot Cotton in Eastenders, has died. Credit: BBC
“There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten.
“June created one of the most iconic characters in Dot Cotton, not just in soap but in British television, and having appeared in 2884 episodes, June’s remarkable performances created some of EastEnders finest moments.
“We send all our love and deepest sympathies to June’s family and friends. A very bright light has gone out at EastEnders today – we shall all be raising a sweet sherry in June’s memory.
“Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten.”
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A statement from June Brown’s family added: “We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved mother, June, passed away very peacefully at her home in Surrey on Sunday evening, with her family by her side. We would kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
Tributes have begun to pour in for June Brown, with comedian Mo Gilligan writing: “RIP June Brown honestly this woman’s career was amazing. If you grew up in an estate there was always a Dot Cotton. Absolute iconic character in Eastenders.”
Kay Burley wrote: “The fabulous June Brown – aka Dot Cotton – who shared my love for donkeys has died at the age of 95. May she forever rest in peace.”
The fabulous June Brown – aka Dot Cotton – who shared my love for donkeys has died at the age of 95.
BAFTA posted: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the death of June Brown, who played one of EastEnders’ longest-running and much-loved characters, Dot Cotton, and who was nominated for a BAFTA in 2009. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.”
Jake Wood, who played Max Branning in Eastenders, said: “RIP June. Here she is on set in her element. A true pro and Eastenders legend. Lucky to have met and worked with her, I’ll always remember her kindness and the many laughs.”
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Milly Zero, who plays June’s on-screen granddaughter Dotty Cotton, posted: “Rest in perfect peace ‘Grandma Dot’. I have never met anyone who cared about their craft so deeply. An artist, a national treasure, an icon & an inspiration to us all. You will always live on in the hearts of everybody you touched. There will never be anyone quite like June.”
And Adam Woodyatt, aka Ian Beale, said: “I’m lost for words, something June never was. So many memories, so much fun. Just purely and simply an incredible woman who had the most incredible life and career, I was fortunate to have shared a small part of it. They never made you a Dame (we did try), but to me you will always be Dame Brown.”
Featured image: BBC
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People heading to university to be offered MenB vaccine following Kent outbreak
Emily Sergeant
Thousands of young people who are heading to university this year are to be offered a two-dose MenB vaccine following the outbreak in Kent earlier this year.
Launching ahead of the 2026 academic year, and particularly concentrated on universities – where prolonged contact in halls and at social events can increase the risk of contracting the disease – the Government has confirmed that thousands of young people across England will get protection against meningococcal B disease (MenB) through a one-off vaccination programme.
Meningococcal disease is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage, and in around 10% of cases, it is fatal.
The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through close contact with a person who has them – for example through kissing, or sharing drinks or vapes, or having close contact with the person for long periods of time.
The MenB outbreak in Kent earlier this year was the fastest growing and largest ever seen in the UK.
While the response to that incident has now concluded, the Government has conceded that there has been more clusters on MenB ‘than normal’ this year, and some of which have been bigger than expected.
We're launching a one-off MenB vaccination programme ahead of the next academic year to protect young people from a life-threatening disease.
This will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks. Two doses are needed for full protection.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) June 12, 2026
The UKHSA data shows that there were 313 confirmed cases of MenB in England during 2024/25, which accounts for approximately 83% of all invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases.
This one-off vaccination programme will help to protect those at highest immediate risk, while the Government aims to monitor and assess new evidence to determine whether there has been a change in the way MenB affects people and whether any further vaccine rollout response is required.
“The Kent outbreak and recent clusters indicate a possible change to the way MenB affects people,” explained Health Secretary, James Murray.
“While we assess the latest evidence, we are acting now to help protect young people at highest immediate risk as they enter university and residential colleges this autumn.
“By offering a two-doses of the jabs ahead of the academic year, we will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks of this horrendous disease.
“I urge all those students who are eligible to come forward for their two doses in July and August, to give them peace of mind as they head off to continue their studies.”
The one-off programme will make MenB vaccination available to people who complete year 13 of education in the summer of 2026, born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008, as well as people under 25-years old starting university or moving into some residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026.
Featured Image – NappyStudio (via Unsplash)
News
Girl, 14, charged with attempted murder after stabbing at Manchester high school
Emily Sergeant
A 14-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder following a stabbing at a high school in Manchester earlier this week.
In case you need bringing up to speed, officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to reports of a stabbing at a school on Plant Hill Road in Blackley – confirmed to be Co-op Academy Manchester – on Tuesday morning (9 June 2026), and when they arrived on the scene, they discovered that two students and a teacher had been injured.
A 14-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault, before being taken into custody for questioning.
It was confirmed yesterday by GMP that the girl had been detained under the Mental Health Act, but now, following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), she was charged yesterday evening (11 June) with three counts of attempted murder and two counts of possessing a bladed article on school premises.
The three people injured during the shocking incident earlier this week have now all been released from hospital after being assessed.
Due to circumstances surrounding the incident, the investigation was passed to Counter Terrorism Policing North West, although at this time, it has not been declared as a terrorist incident.
The girl is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court today (Friday 12 June).
Speaking following the charges, Detective Chief Superintendent Jonathan Chadwick, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: “These are extremely serious charges against a young girl and, working closely with Greater Manchester Police, we continue to support the victims and their families and offer support to the wider school community, who have been deeply affected by what happened.
“Although charges have now been secured, our investigation is still ongoing, and we continue to work with local policing colleagues in the Blackley area.”
Daisy Jackson -
4th April 2022 
