EastEnders have 'left the door open' for Dot Cotton actress June Brown to return, soap writer Sharon Marshall has confirmed.
The This Morning star discussed the apparent exit, after June claimed recently she had quit her role after 35 years.
Dot exited Walford in January, with fans wondering when she would return.
But recently actress June revealed she had "left for good", and would not be coming back to the show.
Viewers were stunned by the surprise news, while it wasn't clear if she had actually left the role.
At the time, a BBC spokesperson 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."
Now, Sharon has revealed to Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that this remains, with her sure June will make a comeback at some point.
Asked about the situation by the This Morning hosts, Sharon revealed what she had heard "internally".
She explained: "Well she gave an interview... I can tell you, internally, everyone is very much saying the door is left open.
"I would be very surprised if we don't see her back. I think if they go to a great storyline.
"If they go with a great storyline, and I know the writers love writing for her, all those years of a character I very much hope we see her back."
Speaking on the Distinct Nostalgia podcast earlier this month, June said: “I don’t want a retainer for EastEnders, I’ve left. I’ve left for good.
“I’ve sent her off to Ireland 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.
“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.”
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
