EastEnders fans are fearing that Dot Cotton will be killed off-screen after a revelation from Sonia Fowler.
In Monday night's episode, Sonia ( Natalie Cassidy ) revealed that she had been granted power of attorney for her step-grandmother, Dot Cotton ( June Brown ).
The news came after Sonia rowed with Dot's biological granddaughter, Kirsty "Dotty" Cotton (Milly Zero), over the latter's scams at Ruby's nightclub and her roping Sonia's niece Tiffany Butcher-Baker ( Maisie Smith ) into her schemes.
Dotty pointed out that Sonia herself had stolen money from their grandmother Dot, but Sonia revealed that Dot now knew the truth, had forgiven Sonia and also granted her power of attorney.
Dot herself is currently living in Ireland with her grandson Charlie Cotton (Declan Bennett)and his young son Matthew, who he shared with the late Ronnie Mitchell ( Samantha Womack ).
Actress June Brown, 94, was last seen on-screen as Dot Branning in January 2020 when she left to visit Charlie after mistakenly believing that Martin Fowler (James Bye) had robbed her, later leaving a voice message for Sonia - who was in fact the guilty culprit.
Naturally, the revelation from Sonia has Enders fans concerned that Dot could be about to be killed-off off-screen.
One fan penned on Twitter : "Ohhhhh I think the shocking twist is that Sonia announces that Dot's died #eastenders ".
Another viewer commented: "Dot mention, can she come back please #EastEnders ".
Another feared the propspect of Dot being killed off, tweeting: "Noooo not Dot".
Meanwhile, another EastEnders fans noted: "Sonia is now responsible for the house and Dot's money? Oh no. #EastEnders "
Elsewhere, one BBC One viewer opined: "Dressing ol Sonia up like the next Dot. There will only ever be one Dot.. I miss her #Bringbackdot #EastEnders ".
Finally, one soap fan concluded: "Well Dot’s obviously got more than a screw loose, givin’ POA to Sonia! #EastEnders "
Well, Dot is alive for now at least!
After her final appearance on-screen last year, Brown revealed on the podcast Distinct Nostalgia that she would "never" return to EastEnders.
"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 where she'll stay. I've left EastEnders."
The BBC later said in a statement: "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."
Last year, June's on-screen son John Altman, who played Nick Cotton for recurring stints from the first episode in 1985 until the character's death in 2015, revealed that he believed June could be persuaded to return.
He told The Mirror : "If they offered her a really good storyline she would be tempted. I think that would be the key.
"But she’s getting on, bless her, and being 93 she does get tired easily."
Last year, Dot Cotton was also rated the best British soap character of all-time in a poll, making it clear that fans would love to see her return.
*EastEnders continues on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One, with previous episodes available on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.
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