June Brown is an EastEnders icon, having played the role of Dot Cotton for the past 30 years. But did you know she actually appeared on rival soap Coronation Street first? On Thursday, ITV decided to mark the star's 90th birthday by sharing a clip of June when she appeared on Corrie in 1971. June was cast as guest character Mrs Parson, and the short video sees her on screen with Coronation Street favourite Ena Sharples, who was played by the late Violet Carson.
© Photo: ITVEastEnders star June Brown appeared in Coronation Street in 1971
June was inundated with messages from co-stars past and present in honour of her landmark birthday. Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale on EastEnders, shared a photo montage of the actress, writing alongside: "Happy 90th birthday #JuneBrown. You are a legend." Jessie Wallace, Kat Slater on the BBC soap, shared a picture of a young June and wrote: "Happy 90th birthday to June Brown #foreveryoung." Jo Joyner, best known for her role as Tanya Branning, tweeted: "Happy 90th birthday to the wonderful, iconic legend that is June Brown xx."
Stars including Jessie Wallace paid tribute to the actress in honour of her 90th birthday
June first appeared on EastEnders in July 1985, just a few months after the BBC soap was launched. She left in 1993, only to return four years later to reprise her role, and has remained on the show ever since. The TV star is set to be honoured with a BBC special airing on Thursday to coincide with her big birthday. The 30-minute programme will focus on June's life and career, and her 30 years on EastEnders, and will feature tributes from co-stars including Danny Dyer, Adam Woodyatt, Lacey Turner and Natalie Cassidy.
