It's been an uphill struggle and an emotional journey for both Dot and Jim Branning since the former boxer suffered a stroke in 2007.
Poor 'ol Dot has been running around the Square trying to juggle her day job in the Laundrette, along with looking after Jim and, lastly, herself. I'm tired just thinking about it.
From Monday, 23 May Dot's struggle becomes more obvious and serious emotions come to light...
Watch the preview vid of Dot getting flustered at Carol Jackson and read on for June Brown's take on how her character really feels...
On accepting help from Carol
"She doesn't really like Carol as she feels she is a sharp character and Carol hasn't really bothered with Jim since she returned to the Square. Dot's been left to do it on her own."
On Jim's return
"Dot's finding it very hard, especially as she's having difficulties with her shoulder and the fact that Jim can't walk means that she has to do everything for him.
"She feels helpless, Jim is her husband and she wants to be there for him, but it's a full-time job caring for someone in his condition and she still has her work at the Launderette and her life to juggle, so she's finding it very difficult."
On watching an old video of Jim
"She is very upset because it contrasts so much what was then and what is now."
On Edward
"She feels guilty because there is an attraction there, but because of her religious views she feels it is wrong."
On telling this story for EastEnders
"It is extremely important as there are so many people out there in similar situations.
"It was very moving, as Dot's obviously very close to Jim on screen and I'm very good friends with John off screen."
