Jacqueline Jossa may be a full-time mum these days, but the actress was absolutely thrilled to be invited back to EastEnders to film scenes for the funeral of her character’s step-grandmother Dot Cotton.

The 30-year-old, who played Lauren Branning in the soap for seven years before leaving in 2017, says it was “bittersweet” being back in Albert Square.

Filming the funeral for Dot, she explains, also felt like a funeral for June Brown, the iconic actress who played the character on the soap for a whopping 35 years.

Talking about her late co-star, who died at the age of 95 in April, Jacqueline reveals: “No one can say a bad word about her, and we really felt that when we were filming.

"It was also a send-off for June as much as it was for Dot."

The star, who is married to Dan Osborne, 31, and is mum to Ella, seven, and Mia, four, also admits that she was “nervous” before shooting the emotional scenes, which will be aired next week.

That said, she felt right at home in Albert Square and says nothing had changed that much since she was last there.

Here, Jacqueline opens up about June’s cheeky side and how she learnt everything she knows from the beloved actress and her fellow EastEnders castmates…

Hi, Jacqueline! What was it like to be back in Walford?

I was really nervous because, no matter what, it’s always such a big thing to be at EastEnders. But when I got there, it didn’t feel like anything had changed. It just felt like being back at home. The two episodes are very emotional from top to bottom because there are so many layers.

Were you pleased to be asked back for Dot’s funeral?

I’d hoped it would happen. June deserves the send-off she’s going to get at EastEnders, and I wanted to be a part of that and be involved. It was nice to be there to represent that side of the Branning family because there are family members always off gallivanting and doing different things.

Did you learn a lot from June and your castmates?

I was always so lucky to work with the best of the bunch. Everyone I worked with, like Jo Joyner (Tanya), Jake Wood (Max), and June, were massive inspirations in my life. They were so good at their job. I learnt pretty much everything from them.

What’s your favourite memory of June away from work?

None that I can share because she was so cheeky! Those who know her know what she was really like. June was always so kind. Everyone always listened to June – the choices she made were always right, and she was brilliant.

What does Dot the character mean to you?

Before I was in EastEnders, I was a huge fan of the show. When I think of East London, I think of Dot Cotton! Her cigarettes, her wig, her scarf. She’s like everyone’s grandma.

What do you think June’s legacy is?

No one can say a bad word about her, and we really felt that when we were filming. It was a send-off for June as much as it was for Dot. It was bittersweet as we all shared stories, and there was so much laughter.

EastEnders, Wednesday and Thursday, BBC One

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