EastEnders actress June Brown, who used to work at Leas Pavilion in Folkestone, has died aged 95.

Ms Brown played Dot Cotton for more than three decades in the TV soap and became a household name after her debut in Albert Square in 1985.

She lived in Folkestone for many years when she was with her second husband and used to work at the Leas Pavilion.

In 2016 she helped Friends of the Leas Pavilion drum up thousands of pounds to protect the building.

Then in 2018, she lent her name in a campaign to save it when renewed plans to transform it into a health club and flats were announced.

In a statement, Ms Brown's family said: "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."

An EastEnders spokesperson has said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE sadly passed away last night.

"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.

"We send all our love and deepest sympathies to June’s family and friends.

"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.”

The veteran actress, who had a long career in television and theatre, arrived on Albert Square shortly after the soap began in 1985, and aside from a break between 1993 and 1997, was a regular for more than three decades.

She announced the bombshell news of her exit from EastEnders in 2020 with little fanfare, revealing her decision on a podcast with a former co-star.

In 2008, she single-handedly starred in an episode called Pretty Baby, in which she spoke to a cassette recorder about her life so that her husband could listen to it as he lay in hospital following a stroke.

Before joining EastEnders she had roles in Coronation Street, Doctor Who, Minder and The Bill, as well as costume dramas The Duchess Of Duke Street and Oliver Twist.

Ms Brown won several awards for her portrayal of Dot, including a lifetime achievement honour at the 2005 British Soap Awards.

Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer of the soap added: “When you join EastEnders, there are some characters both on and off screen that are just iconic and June Brown, OBE, MBE is at the top of that list.

"Her creation and portrayal of Dot Cotton made a huge impact in British television, she created iconic moments that not only entertained the nation but at times changed it a little for the better.

"I had the pleasure of working with June when I was the Story Producer and when you have the talent such as June Brown to work with, you always knew it was going to be magic.

"I speak for us all at EastEnders when I say that today is a very sad day as June Brown was a truly special and unforgettable woman.

"We send our deepest sympathies to June’s family.”

In 2007, EastEnders filmed a special Easter episode all about Dot's life in locations across Kent.

The production chose to film at Stansted near West Kingsdown, St. Giles Church in Wormshill, The Ringlestone Inn near Harrietsham, and Court Lodge Farm in Dartford.

Previously known as the Leas Club, the pavilion was built in 1902 and has previously hosted a tea room, theatre, night club, cinema and snooker hall.

It closed for the last time in 2007 and fell into major disrepair, suffering with water damage and timber decay.

A previous owner, Churchgate, was granted permission to turn it into a health club and apartments, but missed the planning deadline.

In 2019, Folkestone and Hythe District Council issued a legal repairs notice to Churchgate listing urgent repairs that were needed.

In 2020, Gustavia Ltd took over the site, and are currently overhauling it.

A nine storey tower block will be built above the sunken Leas Pavilion, and will include 91 apartments with sea views.

The Leas Pavilion will then be renovated as part of the plans, and will be used as a community space.

The plans were supported by the Friends of the Leas Pavilion, who have campaigned for years for the historic building to be brought back to life.