EastEnders fans are calling for soap bosses to give Dot Cotton a proper exit storyline after June Brown revealed she has quietly left the BBC soap after 35 years.
The 93-year-old actress has played the chain-smoking Albert Square mainstay since the soap began in 1985.
Her character had not featured on the show since an episode last month, when Dot left a voicemail for Sonia Fowler, played by Natalie Cassidy, saying she had moved to Ireland.
Speaking on the Distinct Nostalgia podcast to former co-star Rani Singh, June said she had now left the soap “for good”.
“I don’t want a retainer for EastEnders, I’ve left. I’ve left for good,” she revealed.
“I’ve sent her off to Ireland and that’s where she’ll stay. I’ve left EastEnders. I did make up a limerick. It’s a bit dirty.
“I went back to do a good story. Alas and alack, when I got back it had gone up in smoke.
“Well that is no joke. I got a small part, a very small part. And that ended up as a big wet fart. Alas and alack, I will never go back.”
The veteran actress arrived on Albert Square shortly after the soap began in 1985, and aside from a break between 1993 and 1997, has been a regular since.
EastEnders fans have since demanded a fitting farewell for Dot since June dropped the bombshell that she as left the show.
It is understood her bosses at the BBC had no idea she never intended to return.
An EastEnders spokesman said the door remained open for a comeback, appearing to leave the decision in June’s hands.
A statement said: “We never discuss artists’ contracts, however as far as EastEnders are concerned the door remains open for June, as it always has if the story arises and if June wishes to take part.”