ITV soap Coronation Street has made a lovely birthday tribute to June Brown, an icon of rival BBC1 soap EastEnders
A rare throwback clip of EastEnders stalwart June Brown appearing in Coronation Street more than 45 years ago has been shared by the soap, leading the tributes on the veteran star’s 90th birthday.
While June is best known for appearing as Dot Cotton in the BBC’s serial drama for over three decades, she had a minor role in the ITV soap in 1970 and 1971 as Mrs Parsons.
To mark her landmark birthday, a short scene with June, on-screen son Tony Parsons (David Hill) and Weatherfield icon Ena Sharples (Violet Carson) was posted on the official Coronation Street Twitter account.
June made three appearances as Mrs Parsons, whose son Tony received harmonium lessons from long-running character Ena.
She later went on to join the cast of EastEnders shortly after it began in 1985 and she has been a mainstay of the Walford-based soap ever since.
Tributes poured in from June’s EastEnders co-stars on the big day, with Ian Beale actor Adam Woodyatt declaring her “a legend” and Jessie Wallace sharing a photograph of a young June.
Cheryl Fergison, known for playing Heather Trott in the BBC soap, praised June as “the most amazing woman, funny, talented, teacher and friend” and wished her a happy birthday.
“June Brown is 90 years old today!” wrote Davood Ghadami, who plays Kush Kazemi.
Joking about her gossip-loving character, he added: “Always adored Dot. Iconic, legendary, not one to gossip @bbceastenders #90.”
June’s long career will be celebrated in a BBC One documentary entitled June Brown At 90: A Walford Legend, which sees her discussing her life and career, from her early days in theatre to her famous soap role.
The 30-minute special airs on Thursday at 8.30pm and features tributes from many EastEnders regulars including Adam, Danny Dyer, Gillian Taylforth, Rudolph Walker, Lacey Turner and Natalie Cassidy.
June is also reunited with John Altman, who played her troublesome on-screen son Nick Cotton.
