EASTENDERS actor Danny-Boy Hatchard has revealed the hilarious shade the late June Brown cast on him in a touching tribute to the actress.
This week it was revealed how the BBC soap’s iconic Dot Cotton star had sadly passed away, aged 95.
The TV favourite, who appeared in 2,884 episodes of the soap as the chain-smoking laundrette worker, died peacefully on Sunday.
The news prompted a host of emotional tributes from June’s former EastEnders co-stars and now Danny-Boy, who played Lee Carter, has added his memory to the mix.
The actor took to Twitter to document a previous conversation between the pair on-set, where he was left stunned by his reponse.
In his post, Danny-Boy wrote: “Me: ‘Alright June!’
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“June: ‘Who’s that, come closer, me eyes are gone!’
“Me: ‘It’s Danny-Boy!’
“June: ‘Oh Danny-Boy, I’ve been meaning to tell you. You look much fatter on Tele dear.'”
He then rounded off his memories with the words: “What an honour to have known and worked with such an icon.
“Rest easy wonderful lady.”
Fans shared his reminiscing in the comments underneath, with one writing: “Sending love my friend xx.”
Another posted: “Aww bless her thinking of u all today <3 x” as a third simply wrote: “Fabulous.”
One then commented: “June was an always will be an iconic for the generations of the past, present and the future.”
Danny-Boy played Lee Carter in the BBC One soap until early 2017, when Lee decided to move to Dover for a new life away from wife Whitney and dad Mick after struggling with his mental health.
Danny-Boy was one of seven stars who didn’t have their contracts renewed by producer Sean O’Connor, and while the likes of Ronnie and Roxie Mitchell had a dramatic departure, Lee’s was a bit more of an anti-climax.
Speaking to The Mirror, Danny-Boy admitted he thought Lee’s mental health issues weren’t tackled properly, saying: “I was disappointed how my character left with the mental health story.
“He could have left with something similar but with a little more attention to detail. I feel it got a little brushed off a bit.”
Meanwhile the BBC announced the sad news of June’s passing on Monday, with EastEnders hailing June the actress behind one of the “most iconic characters.”
Her family said she died “very peacefully at her home in Surrey, with her family by her side”.
An EastEnders spokesperson said: “There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten.
“June created one of the most iconic characters in Dot Cotton, not just in soap but in British television, and having appeared in 2884 episodes, June’s remarkable performances created some of EastEnders finest moments.”
They added: “A very bright light has gone out at EastEnders today but we shall all be raising a sweet sherry in June’s memory.
“Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten.”
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A statement from June’s family, read: “We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved mother, June, passed away very peacefully at her home in Surrey on Sunday evening, with her family by her side.
“We would kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
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