Natalie Cassidy on tragic death of EastEnders pal: 'I've lost a dear friend'
28.02.2024 - 11:27
/ ok.co.uk
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has opened up on the tragic loss of her longtime co-star and friend, June Brown, who passed away in April 2022, aged 95. June was famous for playing Dot Cotton on the soap for over 30 years, while Natalie, 40, still plays Dot's beloved step-granddaughter, Sonia Fowler - the role which she's had for almost three decades.
EastEnders paid tribute to June in December 2022 as they aired emotional scenes of Dot Cotton's funeral, which Natalie was heavily involved in, as Sonia. During an exclusive chat with OK!, Natalie opened up on the devastating death of June, as she shared some hilarious anecdotes about the TV legend, as well as saying it was an "honour" to lead the episode about Dot's funeral.
Speaking about June's death, Natalie said: "It was very, very difficult for me, because obviously I’ve lost a dear friend as well as a colleague. She taught me a lot and we had a lot of laughs over the years." Natalie went on to dish on her close friendship with June, as she shared some of their experiences together over the years, telling us: "We’ve been on holiday together, and she [June] used to stay at my house and we’d put our pyjamas on, have a glass of wine and learn our lines together.
When she was 82 years old she’d be partying in a nightclub, and she was just so amazing. "We had the best time.
It was an honour to lead that episode [Dot’s funeral] and be at the helm of everything.
There was a lot resting on my shoulders, but I think I did her proud." Natalie's character, Sonia, is as legendary as Dot Cotton, and during her chat with OK!, Natalie spoke fondly of the role that she portrays - and whether she would ever consider doing a different soap or TV show. She said: "I certainly wouldn’t do
.