EastEnders’ Natalie Cassidy left heartbroken filming Dot’s ‘momentous’ funeral

NATALIE Cassidy has opened up on the difficulty of filming Dot Cotton's epic funeral in EastEnders.

Natalie, who plays Dot's granddaughter Sonia Jackson on the BBC show, has discussed how 'upsetting' it was to film such a momentous occasion.

June Brown played the iconic Albert Square resident and passed away earlier this year at the age of 95.

Now BBC bosses are paying tribute to her and her legacy with an extra special extended edition of the programme to honour the formidable character.

Speaking to The Sun about filming the sad scenes, actress Natalie admitted: "It is upsetting for me. I was very, very close to June. She taught me a lot."

Natalie's character Sonia is central to the heartbreaking episodes and she spoke of the honour of being chosen to lead such scenes.

The star said: "To be at the helm is not only an honour, it is a big responsibility. After reading it, I thought I have to do this justice. I worked extremely hard at it."

Natalie belived that June would have felt impressed with the funeral episodes, saying: "I think she’d be thrilled by it and bowled over. She was such a modest lady at times and she never wanted a fuss.

"She wanted truth. All June was ever interested in was the truth. And watching that, I think it was truthful. Although it is simple it rounds it up."

Adding of the landmark episodes, Natalie added: "It is a moment in television history. And I think everyone should have a small glass of sherry and sit down.  This is an occasion."

June last appeared on the programme in January 2020 when her character departed to Ireland.

The actress passed away earlier this year in Surrey surrounded by her family.