June Brown has varicose vein op

EastEnders legend June Brown has had an operation to remove her varicose veins ahead of stripping on stage in the West End.

The 82-year-old, who has played Walford's Dot Branning since July 1985, was unveiled as part of the new cast lineup for the stage production of Calendar Girls, in which she will take on the role of Jessie, the show's Miss January.

However, before taking off her clothes in front of the British public, Brown opted to have minor surgery to remove varicose veins from her leg.

A friend of June told The Mirror: "It is true that June has had surgery on her varicose veins. It was only a small operation and she has recovered well."

In order to take on the role, the actress will take a short break from filming with EastEnders, but return at the end of her stint on stage in October.

Other notable names in the new Calendar Girls cast include Anita Dobson, Jill Halfpenny, Jack Ryder and Jerry Hall.