Dot Cotton

DotBranning

Dot Cotton (full name Dorothy Branning, previously Colwell) is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by June Brown. She made her first appearance on 4 July 1985 and became one of the show's longest-running characters. Dot is known for her devout Christianity, chain-smoking habit, and her distinctive Cockney accent.

Character History

Dot Cotton was introduced as the mother of Nick Cotton, a notorious villain in the series. Her character is often portrayed as a moral compass in the community, despite her son's criminal activities. Dot's storylines have included dealing with Nick's various crimes, her own health issues, and her relationships with other residents of Albert Square.

Family

Dot is the daughter of Charlie Cotton and Dot's mother. She was married to Charlie Cotton and later to Jim Branning. She has one son, Nick Cotton, and a grandson, Ashley Cotton.

Major Storylines

• Dot's struggle with her son Nick's criminal behavior, including his attempts to poison her.
• Her marriage to Jim Branning and their subsequent life together.
• Dot's battle with cancer and her strong faith in Christianity.
• Her friendship with Ethel Skinner and the controversial storyline where she assisted Ethel in euthanasia.

Personality

Dot is characterized by her strong religious beliefs, often quoting the Bible and attending church regularly. She is also known for her gossiping nature and her loyalty to her friends and family. Despite her often stern demeanor, Dot has a kind heart and is deeply caring.

Legacy

Dot Cotton is considered an iconic character in EastEnders and British television. Her portrayal by June Brown has received critical acclaim, and she has become a cultural icon. Dot's character has been involved in some of the most memorable and controversial storylines in the show's history.

Portrayal

June Brown played Dot Cotton from 1985 until 2020, with a brief hiatus between 1993 and 1997. Brown's performance has been widely praised, earning her several awards and nominations.

See Also

• EastEnders
• Nick Cotton
• Jim Branning
• Albert Square