Dot Branning, or should I say, June Brown will make soap history next year as she stars in an Eastenders episode, on her own.

Those in the trade call it a “one hander”, and the show will feature Dot, making a recording for her husband Jim who is recovering from a stroke, about her life, love and memories.

A show source says: “It’s extremely poignant. As she waits for Jim, Dot decides to record a message for him. But as the hours stretch on, it becomes clear he’s gone to a nursing home. She’s devastated, she was so looking forward to having him back.”

The actor playing Jim, John Bardon is currently recovering from a stroke, and Eastenders bosses have left the door open for his return, should he feel able in the future.