'EastEnders': Dot Branning makes return in January

EastEnders favourite Dot Branning will return to Albert Square in January, it has been confirmed.

The legendary character has been absent from screens in recent months as actress June Brown has been on a break from the soap.



During her time away from the programme, Brown continued writing her memoirs and also presented a BBC One documentary titled Respect Your Elders.

EastEnders bosses announced today (October 20) that Dot will make her return to Walford shortly after the Branning family have been "blown apart after an explosive Christmas".

Executive producer Lorraine Newman commented: "Dot is one of EastEnders' best-loved characters and Albert Square hasn't been the same without her."

Dot's exit scenes aired in May as she left the Square while struggling with the aftermath of Heather Trott's murder.