| EastEnders character | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Dot Branning | |
| Portrayed by | June Brown Tallulah Pitt-Brown (flashback) |
| Created by | Julia Smith and Tony Holland |
| Duration | 1985–1993, 1997— |
| First appearance | 4 July 1985 |
| Profile | |
| Status | Married |
| Home | 25 Albert Square |
| Occupation | Launderette manageress |
Dorothy "Dot" Branning (née Colwell; previously Cotton) is a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera, EastEnders. June Muriel Brown, MBE (born 16 February 1927) is an English actress, best known for her role as Dot Cotton in the Tallulah Pitt-Brown ( June 4, 1978 - is an English film and television actress Julia Smith ( 26 May 1927 &ndash 19 June 1997) was an English Television director and producer. Tony Holland ( 18 January 1940 &ndash 28 November 2007) was an English television writer best known as a writer and co-creator of Events 836 - Pactum Sicardi, peace between the Principality of Benevento and the Duchy of Naples Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) NOTICE TO WOULD-BE ROMEOS ************** This is a list of where characters live in the BBC Soap opera EastEnders. A soap opera is an ongoing episodic work of Fiction, usually broadcast on Television or Radio. EastEnders is a most popular and award-winning Television Soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC1 on 19 February 1985 She is played by June Brown, but was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in flashbacks in a special episode entitled EastEnders: Dot's Story. June Muriel Brown, MBE (born 16 February 1927) is an English actress, best known for her role as Dot Cotton in the Tallulah Pitt-Brown ( June 4, 1978 - is an English film and television actress
Dot first appeared in EastEnders in July 1985 and has worked as a launderette assistant for most of that time along with her best friend Pauline Fowler. Pauline Fowler ( née Beale) is a Fictional character from the BBC Soap opera EastEnders, a long-running She took a four year absence from the show in 1993 when she moved away with her son Nick Cotton and his family and returned in 1997. Nicholas Charles "Nick" Cotton (also known as Nasty Nick) is a Fictional character in the popular British Soap opera EastEnders She is known for her devout Christian faith, addiction to cigarettes, and motherly attitude to those in need. A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth The term " addiction " is used in many contexts to describe an obsession compulsion or excessive Physical dependence or psychological dependence such as A cigarette ( French "small Cigar " from cigar + -ette) is a product consumed through Smoking and manufactured Since Pauline Fowler's death in December 2006, Dot remains as the main assistant of the launderette. Dot is married to Jim Branning, and she was previously wed to conman Charlie Cotton with whom she had her only son Nick. James Archibald "Jim" Branning is a recurring Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders. Charles "Charlie" Cotton was a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders. Nicholas Charles "Nick" Cotton (also known as Nasty Nick) is a Fictional character in the popular British Soap opera EastEnders
On 31 January 2008, Dot became the first character ever to appear in a "single-hander" episode of a British soap. The acclaimed episode saw Dot reminiscing about her years of loss and grief into a tape recorder as a message to her ailing husband Jim.
Contents |
Storylines
Early life
Dot was born in Walford, but during the Second World War she was evacuated to Wales, while her uncaring mother remained in London. For real places called Walford see Walford (disambiguation Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the popular World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including She stayed on a farm with a couple she called Auntie Gwen and Uncle Will. She became close to them and they wanted to adopt her as they were unable to have children of their own. However, Dot's stay was marred with tragedy when Will was killed in an accident. Dot felt responsible for his death due to an altercation she had with Will regarding the death of his dog, Blue, who had been maimed in an animal trap whilst in Dot's care. Devastated, a young Dot prayed for Will's death as vengeance for his harsh treatment, and when Will was killed she believed it was her doing. Unable to cope with the thought that she was responsible for Gwen's devastation, she ran away from the farm and returned to London, living with her mother, Martha in a crowded house in Carver Road, Walford, where she was forced to miss school to care for her younger siblings, Gerry, Tim and Rose.
Dot lived with the guilt of Will's death all her life, and she had been too afraid to return to the farm to visit Gwen until 2003, when Gwen's son Iwan persuaded her to visit his dying mother. Dot received a frosty reception from Gwen initially. Gwen had always felt that she was in some way responsible for Dot's departure, and found it hard to forgive Dot for abandoning her. Dot struggled to face up to the past, but she was finally able to relay that she had left because she blamed herself for Will's accident and feared Gwen's rejection. Gwen was relieved to finally learn the truth and she explained that she and Will had always loved Dot, and she had never blamed her for what happened. Gwen died in her sleep later that night.
Early years in Walford
Dot was introduced as the gossiping Christian friend of Ethel Skinner and Lou Beale who worked alongside Pauline Fowler at the Walford launderette. A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth Ethel May Skinner (née Lewis) was a Fictional character in the British Soap opera EastEnders. Louise Ada "Lou" Beale (née Medeemey) was a Fictional character in the BBC Soap opera EastEnders. Pauline Fowler ( née Beale) is a Fictional character from the BBC Soap opera EastEnders, a long-running This is a list of buildings shops and businesses seen and referred to in the BBC Soap opera EastEnders, most of which are located in the fictional She had a difficult life with a criminal husband, Charlie and their son, Nick. Charles "Charlie" Cotton was a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders. Nicholas Charles "Nick" Cotton (also known as Nasty Nick) is a Fictional character in the popular British Soap opera EastEnders Charlie came and went from Albert Square, and always treated Dot badly and stole from her until he died off-screen in a lorry accident in 1991. Albert Square is the fictional location of the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders. Nick was also a criminal; he had been involved in drugs, robberies, and murder and tried to cheat Dot out of her money just like his late father. A drug, broadly speaking is any chemical substance that when absorbed into the body Robbery is the Crime of seizing Property through Violence or Intimidation. Murder is the unlawful killing of another human person with Malice aforethought, as defined in Common Law countries He even tried to poison her once for her bingo money but backed out at the last minute.
Dot was a good friend of Nigel Bates, who lived in her house as lodger for a few years. Nigel Bates was a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders. Dot always thought of him as the son she never had because he was the complete opposite of Nick.
In July 1993, Nick arrived in Walford with his estranged wife Zoe who he had never told Dot about, and introduced Dot to their son Ashley. The following is a list of minor characters that first appeared in the BBC Soap opera EastEnders in 1993, by order of first appearance Ashley Cotton was a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders, the son of Zoe and Nick Cotton and the Dot became close to Ashley and eventually Zoe asked her to move away from Walford with her, Nick and Ashley to Gravesend. Gravesend is a town in northwest Kent, England, on the south bank of the Thames, opposite Tilbury in Essex. Dot was reluctant to move away at first but agreed. She left the Square in July 1993 and wasn't seen again for nearly four years.
Return
Dot returned to Walford on 14 April 1997, revealing that Nick had gone back to his old ways and had been arrested for drugs possession and Zoe and Ashley had moved away. Events 43 BC - Battle of Forum Gallorum: Mark Antony, besieging Julius Caesar 's assassin Decimus Junius Brutus in Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Dot had been left alone in her house since Nick was arrested and decided to move back to Walford, realising that leaving there in the first place was a mistake.
She was shocked by Nick's surprise return in April 1998. He tried to cheat her out of money once again by telling another lie; that he had AIDS. He claimed he needed money to go to France where Ashley and Zoe lived. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Dot believed him but later discovered that Nick had been lying and was on the run from police. She informed the police of his whereabouts a week after his return and he was arrested.
She later moved in with fellow senior citizen Lilly Mattock, and was arrested for the illegal use of cannabis, which she had mistakenly confused for herbal tea after new age wannabe Irene Raymond convinced her of its "healing properties". Lilly Mattock (previously Temple) Lilly liked to forget her age and concentrate on having fun Cannabis ( Cán-na-bis) is a Genus of Flowering plants that includes three putative species Cannabis sativa subsp Irene Constance Ethel Raymond (née Carter; previously Hills) was a Fictional character in the BBC Soap opera EastEnders After Lilly was mugged, she moved out of the square, and Dot went to live with Pauline.
Dot was later involved in the death her best friend Ethel Skinner, who was terminally ill with cancer. Ethel May Skinner (née Lewis) was a Fictional character in the British Soap opera EastEnders. As a very weak Ethel lay in bed, she begged Dot to help her end her life. Torn between her Christian beliefs on euthanasia and her best friend's final wishes, she opted for to help Ethel to die, although later she thought that she should be punished and wanted to serve time in prison for murder. Euthanasia (literally "good death" in Ancient Greek) refers to the practice of ending a life in a painless manner Murder is the unlawful killing of another human person with Malice aforethought, as defined in Common Law countries Dot battled with her conscience after Ethel's death, and for a long time she struggled to believe that she could be forgiven in the eyes of God. Conscience is a hypothesized Ability or faculty that distinguishes whether our actions are right or wrong God is the principal or sole Deity in Religions and other belief systems that worship one deity.
Nick reappeared in Walford in November 2000 with Ashley. Nick's feud with Mark Fowler caused the death of Ashley in June 2001 after Nick cut the brakes on Mark's motorcycle. Mark Albert Fowler was a Fictional character in the popular British BBC Soap opera EastEnders. Ashley, not knowing this, stole the bike and died after crashing the bike in Bridge Street. At Ashley's funeral, Nick said Mark should have been in the grave instead of Ashley, and Dot overheard this; Dot finally disowned Nick for good and threw him out soon after the funeral.
Marriage to Jim
Although Dot was initially against the idea, after much persuasion from her neighbour, Jim Branning, the pair embarked on a slow-burning romance. James Archibald "Jim" Branning is a recurring Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders. Dot was set in her ways, and getting used to another man in her life was hard for her. However, Jim provided her with companionship and care.
Jim proposed to Dot in 2001, but this proved too much for Dot, who disappeared from Walford for a while. However, Jim persevered, and when the pair took a trip on the London Eye on Christmas Eve 2001 he proposed again, and this time she accepted. The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is the tallest (its height is) Ferris wheel in Europe, and has become the most popular paid tourist Dot spent much of her time before the wedding despairing over whether she would be able to consummate her vows after the wedding. The pair eventually decided that sex wasn't needed and that their love would remain platonic. Amor Platonicus The term amor platonicus was coined as early as the 15th century by the Florentine scholar Marsilio Ficino Dot became a surrogate grandmother to Jim's grandchildren, particularly Sonia, and Bradley, Lauren and Abi, who call her Grandma. Sonia Ann Fowler (née Branning; previously Jackson) was a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders Bradley Branning is a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders. Lauren Branning is a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders. Abigail "Abi" Branning is a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders.
Dot had a strong friendship with Dennis Rickman, taking him under her wing in his times of need, and giving him advice. Dennis Rickman was a Fictional character in the BBC Soap opera EastEnders. In 2004, Dot was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney and decided to hide it from everyone apart from Dennis. Cancer (medical term Malignant Neoplasm) is a class of Diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled The kidneys are complicated organs that have numerous biological roles She refused treatment from the doctor and planned to die without telling anyone. However, after an argument with Den Watts, Dot confided in Jim, and decided to undergo chemotherapy after being persuaded by Dennis. EastEnders two-hander episodes refers to singular episodes of the BBC Soap opera EastEnders that feature only two members of the cast Dennis "Den" Watts was a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Leslie Grantham Chemotherapy, in its most general sense refers to treatment of disease by chemicals that kill cells specifically those of micro-organisms or Cancer. This was a success and she made a full recovery from her illness.
Dot's loyalty to Jim was tested in 2005 when her driving instructor, Michael Rawlins made unwanted advances towards her, causing her to crash the car that she was attempting to drive. The following is a list of minor characters that first appeared in the UK BBC Soap opera EastEnders in 2005, by order of first appearance In May 2006, Jim received a call from Nick, who was in a prison hospital suffering from throat cancer. Jim tried to keep this a secret from Dot but she eventually found out. She then decided to visit Nick to care for him while he was ill, but when she returned she revealed that Nick had refused to see her.
In 2006, Dot's oldest remaining friend, Pauline Fowler died. Pauline Fowler ( née Beale) is a Fictional character from the BBC Soap opera EastEnders, a long-running She eventually discovered that it had been Pauline's husband, Joe Macer that murdered her, and tried to call the police. Joseph "Joe" Macer was a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders. A scuffle insued, and ended with Joe losing his footing and falling from a first floor window to his death.
Dot kept Pauline's ashes for several months, until Jim refused to "share" Dot with Pauline any more and ordered her to dispose of them. Dot eventually buried the ashes at the grave of Pauline's first husband, Arthur, bidding her friend an emotional farewell. Arthur George Fowler was a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders.
In April 2007, Dot found an abandoned baby in a church. She took the baby, Tomas, home with her, leaving her contact details at the church. The following is a list of minor characters that first appeared in the BBC Soap opera EastEnders in 2007, by order of first appearance Tomas's mother Anya then arrived in Walford, revealing she was an illegal immigrant. The following is a list of minor characters that first appeared in the BBC Soap opera EastEnders in 2007, by order of first appearance Jim anonymously reported her, and when she was deported Dot hid Tomas from the authorities, vowing to take care of him.
Dot and Jim struggled to look after the baby, and after talking to the local vicar, and her old friend Dr. Legg, Dot decided to hand him over to Social Services in June 2007. Doctor Harold Legg was a Fictional character in the British Soap opera EastEnders. Social work is a discipline involving the application of Social theory and research methods to study and improve the lives of people groups and societies
In August 2007, Jim went to stay with his ill daughter, Carol (this was a plot device to cover John Bardon's real life illness). Carol Ann Jackson (née Branning) was a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders. John Bardon, (born John Michael Jones, 25 August 1939 in Brentford, Middlesex) is an English stage and Television In October 2007, Dot was informed that Jim had had a stroke, and was seriously ill in hospital. In January 2008, Dot was harassed by the E20 gang; Tegs, Ziggy and Jay Brown. The following is a list of minor characters that first appeared in the BBC Soap opera EastEnders in 2008, by order of first appearance The following is a list of minor characters that first appeared in the BBC Soap opera EastEnders in 2008, by order of first appearance James "Jay" Brown is a Fictional character in the popular BBC Soap opera EastEnders. They trashed her house and set her budgie free, until Dot persuaded Jay to inform the police of the other boys' names.
Dot later asked Jim's friends to record messages for him, and when she recorded her own, in soap's first ever single-hander episode, Dot spoke about her hard life, and decided that she could not cope with looking after Jim at home and that he would have to go into a nursing home.
In popular culture
The character of Dot Branning has been spoofed in the cartoon sketch show 2DTV. A parody (ˈpɛɹədiː US, [ˈpaɹədiː] UK) in contemporary usage is a work created to mock comment on or poke fun at an original work its subject The word cartoon has various meanings based on several very different forms of Visual art and Illustration. Sketch comedy consists of a series of short Comedy scenes or vignettes called "sketches" commonly between one and ten minutes long 2DTV was a satirical animated Television show broadcast on ITV in the United Kingdom.
She was also impersonated by Alistair McGowan in Big Impression. Alistair McGowan (born 24 November 1964 in Badsey, Worcestershire) is an English impressionist, Comedian and Actor. The Big Impression was a British comedy sketch show It was formerly known as Alistair McGowan's Big Impression after impressionist
As a style icon she has been said to have inspired catwalk collections, hairstyles and more. The monthly Dot Cotton Club, a gay club night in Cambridge, is named in her honour. The city of Cambridge (ˈkeɪmbrɪdʒ is a university town and the administrative centre of the county of Cambridgeshire, England She is among only a few characters from EastEnders to become a British cultural emblem. Dot's long-suffering luckless life has also led to her being labelled as a gay icon by Tim Lusher of the Evening Standard. The London Evening Standard is an English Tabloid regional local newspaper published and sold in London and surrounding areas of southeast [1]
Dot is a notable smoker on British television as she regularly appears on-screen smoking. The character is so synonymous with smoking that the term "Dot Cotton syndrome" is used within the health industry to: "describe the elderly population who continue to smoke heavily without registering the health problems they are or will soon suffer from, seeing it as their only pleasure left in life". [2]
She was also voted the 46th best television character in a television poll entitled The 100 Greatest Television Characters. [3]
References
- ^ "The new pink pin-ups", Evening Standard. URL last accessed 2006-10-23. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 4004 BC - Creation of the world begins according to the calculations of Archbishop James Ussher 42 BC -
- ^ "Medical education via the mass media", Student BMJ. URL last accessed 2006-10-23. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 4004 BC - Creation of the world begins according to the calculations of Archbishop James Ussher 42 BC -
- ^ "The 100 Greatest Television Characters", thecustard. tv. URL last accessed 2006-11-02
External links
- Dot Branning at bbc.co.uk
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