Jamie Borthwick says the ‘EastEnders’ cast are "missing" June Brown after she quit the soap.
The 25-year-old actor – who plays Jay Brown – has admitted he and his co-stars were sad to lose the 93-year-old soap legend who hadn’t been on screen for sometime, and recently confirmed she’s bowing out of her iconic role as Dot Cotton after 35 years.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz at the ‘Only Fools and Horses: The Musical’ anniversary performance in London on Thursday night (27.02.20), he said: "I think everyone’s missing her, she’s obviously had breaks from the show.
"I haven’t seen her myself for so long, it’s always sad to see a legend leave the show. She’s 93 now I believe, she’s had a great career."
Jamie – who has himself been on a break – insisted that June’s character is irreplaceable.
He admitted: "I don’t think there could be anyone to come in to replace her, that’s for sure.
"Only people personally that I miss. The list is too long, I’ll be here all night."
The flame-haired star shared how June once told him that being on a soap means you are a household name like the washing detergent Persil, but said he enjoys being able to lead a relatively "normal" life.
Asked if people notice him on the streets, he said: "Yeah, there’s always that. You’re in people’s living rooms a lot. I always remember what June Brown said, ‘We’re not stars, we’re household names.’ So, we’re like Persil, which I think is a good analogy.
"People are always very nice and pleasant if they ever recognise me in the street.
"Its nice feeling like I can go about my daily business, and some people just wanna come up and shake hands. I can live normally and enjoy that."
Jamie Borthwick says EastEnders cast are missing June Brown
