EastEnders star June Brown has signed a new contract with the soap that will keep her in Albert Square until she’s 90.
Her new deal is believed to be worth around £300,000, reports The Sun, making her one of the show’s highest paid stars.
A source has revealed that EastEnders bosses are delighted that June, who will be 89 on February 16, has indicated she will continue as Dot Branning for another year when her current contract expires in March.
“This is great news for June, for the bosses and for EastEnders’ fans,” said the source. “Everyone’s aware that June isn’t getting any younger but she’s still very agile for her age and wants to go on for as long as possible.
“The bosses are delighted that she has no intention of quitting just yet. She loves playing Dot and the fans love her as Dot. EastEnders wouldn’t be the same without June or Dot.”
June joined EastEnders in 1985, at the age of 58 and her character was originally only meant to be around for a short-term storyline when Dot’s son, Nick Cotton, was accused of murder.
But Dot quickly became popular and June has won many awards for her portrayal of the Christian woman whose life has been tormented by her evil son.
And now everyone’s wondering when poor Dot will find out that the young man she loved as a son, Fatboy (Ricky Norwood) is dead…
EastEnders continues on BBC1, Monday, February 1, 8.00pm.
