EastEnders Legend's Creative Smoking Solution Revealed
In a heartwarming and amusing revelation, EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has shared a delightful anecdote about her late co-star June Brown, best known for playing Dot Cotton in the BBC One soap. During an appearance on BBC Radio 2's breakfast show with Scott Mills, Cassidy recounted how Brown employed a clever, though not recommended, hack to continue her smoking habit in places where it was prohibited.
A Hilarious Hotel Room Habit
Natalie Cassidy, who portrays Sonia Fowler on the long-running series, described sharing hotel rooms with June Brown while filming. She revealed that Brown would ingeniously use a shower cap secured with an elastic band to cover fire alarms, allowing her to smoke cigarettes without triggering the alarms. "I'd be in hotel rooms with June and she'd put a shower cap with an elastic band around the fire alarm so she could have a fag," Cassidy told Mills, who laughed along with her at the memory.
Scott Mills added to the story by recalling a similar tale from actor Jake Wood, who invited him to the EastEnders set during their time on Strictly Come Dancing. Wood pointed out tape around a smoke alarm, explaining it was June Brown's handiwork to facilitate her smoking. This anecdote highlights Brown's determined and resourceful nature, which endeared her to colleagues and fans alike.
June Brown's Iconic Legacy and Smoking Beliefs
June Brown, who passed away in April 2022 at the age of 95, appeared in over 2,000 episodes of EastEnders as the chain-smoking Dot Cotton. Her character became a beloved fixture on British television, and the show paid tribute to her with an emotional funeral episode in December 2022, featuring returns from iconic characters like Disa Brien and Mary 'The Punk' Smith.
Brown's smoking habit was well-known, and she reportedly believed it was what kept her going. In 2024, former EastEnders star Shona McGarty spoke on the Tis Yourself podcast, noting that Brown smoked numerous cigarettes and felt they sustained her energy. McGarty reminisced about Brown's distinctive presence, marked by her iconic perfume, Fifth Avenue, which could be smelled down the corridors of the studio.
Natalie Cassidy also shared a touching memory of Brown's kindness, recalling how the veteran actress gifted her a snowglobe with Dorothy inside when she was a newcomer to the show at age 16. Cassidy still cherishes this memento, underscoring the deep bonds formed among the EastEnders cast.
Reflections on a Television Icon
This revelation adds a humorous and humanising layer to June Brown's legacy, showcasing her playful side and the camaraderie she fostered on set. While her smoking hack is not something to emulate, it serves as a reminder of her unique personality and the lasting impact she had on her colleagues and the entertainment industry.
As fans continue to celebrate her life and contributions, stories like these keep her memory alive, offering a glimpse into the off-screen moments that made her such a cherished figure. EastEnders and its community remain a testament to the enduring connections forged through decades of storytelling.
