After captivating the nation for the best part of four decades, Dot Branning (June Brown) has been laid to rest in EastEnders, having been buried next to her oldest and dearest friend, Ethel Skinner (Gretchen Franklin).

We’re not crying, we swear.

Dot, as viewers know, died in Ireland earlier this month, with Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) receiving word that she’d gone in her sleep.

The nurse notified the residents of the Square of the tragic loss, and before long, the preparations were made to give Dot the send off that someone like her deserves.

Monday’s (December 12) edition of the BBC One soap was focused solely on paying tribute to Dot, as her funeral service took place.

Sonia struggled to find the words to write the eulogy, as she listened back to the tape that Dot had recorded for Jim shortly after he’d suffered a stroke all those years ago.

Unable to muster the words, she took herself off to the launderette, hoping to find inspiration there, and Martin Fowler (James Bye) offered words of encouragement, telling her to speak from the heart.

A number of faces from the past, meanwhile, returned to Walford to pay their respects to Dot, including Colin Russell (Michael Cashman) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).

Dot left No. 27 for the last time, as the entire Square gathered to give her the send-off she deserves.

At the church, Disa Brien (Jan Graveson) – who Dot looked after in 1991 – made a special return, mum to the delight of Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), while Sharon caught up with Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith (Linda Davidson).

Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) made an unannounced comeback, as he paid tribute from afar, before leaving after receiving a mysterious phone call.

The funeral subsequently commenced, and Lofty Holloway (Tom Watt) arrived soon afterwards, telling Sharon and Mary that he’d gone to the wrong church.

Typical Lofty.

Sonia, meanwhile, spoke from her heart, just like Martin had instructed, and she soon received some assistance from her fellow loved ones and neighbours, with Sharon, Mary, Martin, Lauren, Lofty, Colin and more sharing their fondest memories of Dot.

Overcome with emotion, Sonia thanked them all for their contribution, before making reference to Dot’s beloved son Nick (John Altman), who she always tried to support – no matter what crime he committed.

She finished off the eulogy by telling her grandma that she loves her.

The closing moments of the episode were magical, as Dot’s voice – from the tape she’d recorded for Jim – played aloud, with the beloved legend discussing life, and how it goes by in the blink of an eye, adding that one should take Ethel’s advice and enjoy every second.

At the graveyard, Dot was lowered into her final place of rest with her loved ones gathered near, and it soon became apparent that she’d been buried next to Ethel’s grave.

Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) finished off the service by removing a packet of cigarettes from his jacket and throwing them into the coffin, much to the delight of Sonia, as they all reflected on their love for Dot.

A fitting tribute to one of TV’s greatest.

EastEnders continues Tuesday December 13 at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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