EASTENDERS fans have been left in tears after Walford residents finally learned of Dot Cotton's death - with a poignant twist.
The legendary character's off-screen death was written into the soap following the real life passing of June Brown - who had played her since 1985 - in April at the age of 95.
The emotional episode saw Sonia receive a call on the house phone telling her of Dot's death, before she headed to the Queen Vic to let the other Albert Square residents know.
Sharon (Leticia Dean) immediately burst into tears at the news, while other characters who had known Dot for years looked equally as devastated.
Sonia revealed: "She didn't suffer, she fell asleep peacefully. Charlie found her this morning, rollers in, packet of fags and her Bible next to her."
Patrick (Rudolph Walker) then stood up and paid tribute to his friend, telling the pub: "Dot is not a sentimental woman and if she was here now she'd be judging every single one of us and enjoying every second of it."
As the pub chuckled knowingly, he added: "What can we do to remember her? I tell you what, let us give her something that she will disapprove of" before raising his glass in a toast "to Dot".
The revelation came in the middle of the Albert Square Christmas party and the residents decided to carry on with the Christmas tree light switch on in Dot's honour.
As old and young gathered in the square, Mick (Danny Dyer) said a few words about Dot and then wished everyone a Merry Christmas before switching them on.
Sonia was then seen heading back to her house - which is where Dot used to live - and heading into the living room.
Looking around, she picked up a picture of her with Dot, Jim and brother Robbie and gave a sad smile, before getting emotional as she stood at the door.
She whispered: "Goodnight Dot" before closing the door, and the final seconds of the episode featured the ticking of the clock in the darkened room as the credits rolled, the show's usual 'Duff Duff's' and theme tune absent as a silent mark of respect to one of its most iconic characters.
EastEnders viewers were in tears at the poignant scenes and special end to the episode.
Taking to Twitter, one wrote: "Bye Dot," with a heartbroken emoji.
Another added: "@bbceastenders RIP Dot #EastEnders."
A third tweeted: "Lovely acting tonight @Nat_Cassidy “Night Dot” #EastEnders."
