The Dot Cotton icon died at her home in Surrey on Sunday, aged 95. Her family said they are deeply saddened, and have asked that their privacy be respected.

An EastEnders spokesperson said the entire cast and crew were "deeply saddened" at her passing. June had appeared in a staggering 2,884 episodes over the years.

EastEnders said she "created one of the most iconic characters in Dot Cotton , not just in soap but in British television". Her death will be felt by many, not least long-term fans of the London based soap.

Milly Zero, who plays June's on-screen granddaughter Dotty, said there will "never be anyone quite like June". She shared a series of photos of herself and June on Instagram.

Captioning the post, she said: "Rest in perfect peace ‘Grandma Dot’. I have never met anyone who cared about their craft so deeply. An artist, a national treasure, an icon & an inspiration to us all.

"You will always live on in the hearts of everybody you touched. There will never be anyone quite like June. A huge, huge loss. Today and always my thoughts are with her family, friends & the whole team at @bbceastenders."