EastEnders fans admit to 'dreading' next episode

Dot's funeral is going to be emotional (Image credit: BBc)

Normally, EastEnders fans can't wait for the next episode of their favourite show and are forever scouring magazines and websites for the latest gossip.

But in an unusual situation this week, the normally over-eager fans admit they would be happy to wait a bit longer for their next instalment – because they are dreading what comes next.

The reason? Well, Monday's episode of EastEnders will see the funeral of Square legend Dot Branning.

Thursday night's episode saw emotional scenes play out as Dot's coffin arrived at her home in Albert Square.

As Sonia brought Jack, Whitney and Dotty to the house, she she revealed that Dot's coffin was in the living room and told them, "I haven't been able to go in there. It's where she belongs, but I just don't feel ready to say goodbye."

Supported by trio, the group entered the living room to see Dot's coffin.

The emotional episode ended with no dramatic 'doof doof'. There was just a fade into the end credits after Sonia emotionally declared, "She's home."

This high emotion had viewers in bits and worrying how they'll cope when Monday's funeral episode arrives.

"That final scene gave me shivers down my back," said one. "Seeing Dot's coffin makes it real. I'm dreading Monday night's episode."

Another added, "Dot's funeral is going to be one of the saddest episodes of this year."

And one summed up many viewers feelings with these three words, "I'm not ready."

That final scene tonight was sad.. actually give me shivers down my back. Seeing dots coffin makes it real. 🥲 great acting from @ShonaBM @Nat_Cassidy @millyzero @RealScottMaslen I’m dreading Monday night’s episode dots funeral #EastEnders @bbceastendersDecember 8, 2022

the last scene of tonight’s episode hit me so much harder than i expected and i know next weeks will be even more emotional. but what a beautiful tribute to june and her legacy this has been. love you grandma dot ❤️ #EastendersDecember 8, 2022

That was a beautiful transition to the credits. Love the closing track as well. I'm not ready for Dot's funeral on Monday. It'll be so emotional. 💔😭#EastEnders pic.twitter.com/99bMauZRDwDecember 8, 2022

Dot’s funeral episode is gonna be one of saddest episodes this year.💔😭 #EastEndersDecember 8, 2022

Monday's episode will see Albert Square come together to say their final goodbyes to Dot.

Old faces returning include Dot's friend Colin (Michael Cashman), as well as her granddaughter Lauren (Jaqueline Jossa) plus the arrival of a new character, Dot's great nephew Reiss (Jonny Freeman).

Dot's funeral comes after the passing back in April of actress June Brown, who played Dot for 35 years.

Dot's friends and family gather for her funeral in EastEnders — Old and new faces say goodbye to Dot (Image credit: BBC)

For more spoilers on Dot's funeral episodes check our our EastEnders spoilers page.

EastEnders normally airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One, but that may change due to World Cup coverage so do check our TV Guide. You can catch up on BBC iplayer

Steven is a writer, editor, and commentator with a passion for popular TV and soap operas. He spent 20 years as the editor of Inside Soap magazine, documenting every punch-up and pucker-up in the Street, the Square and the village. As a feature writer, he’s covered TV crime dramas, period dramas and even some real-life star dramas. He’s been seen as a talking head on more TV clip shows than he cares to remember, has a life-long passion for TV sci-fi – the older and creakier the better – and is a slight obsessive about any reality show featuring hotels.