Jonny Freeman, who starred in Silent Witness, has been cast in EastEnders to play Reiss Colwell, the famous Dot Branning’s great-nephew, in scenes that have yet to air.
Reiss will appear in the role of Bob Colwell, the uncle of June Brown’s Dot. He will be at the Square to honor the late June who passed away earlier this year by attending Dot’s funeral. Even though Dot is no longer a part of EastEnders, it appears that she will pass away off-screen, and the residents of Walford will come together to honor the beloved character.
Reiss has always wished he lived closer to his extended family, even though the Colwell family only occasionally interacted.
Reiss is forced to go to Dot’s funeral after learning of her passing.
But something eventually catches his attention, as Sonia Fowler and he show signs of chemistry during a shared moment of sadness (Natalie Cassidy).
Jonny is best known for his roles as Frank London in CBBC’s MI High and on BBC’s Silent Witness, Top Boy on Channel 4, and Silent Witness.
“I am thrilled to be joining the EastEnders cast, especially as part of the iconic Dot Branning’s extended family,” the actor said.
“Everyone has been so warm and welcoming, and I’ve been fortunate to work closely with the lovely Natalie Cassidy, who is not only a fantastic actor but also a lovely person. She has kindly assisted me in navigating my first few weeks.
“I hope I can honor Reiss. He is kind but socially awkward, so it’s been interesting to watch how he handles—or doesn’t handle—his early interactions with Sonia and her family members.
I’m interested in seeing how audiences and Walford residents will react to him.
Chris Clenshaw, the executive producer, added: “Reiss Colwell is a very kind-hearted person who, like his great-aunt Dot, is modest, dependable, and somewhat studious.
“Jonny is a great addition to the EastEnders cast, and it’s fun to watch him change into Reiss when he dons the cardigan and reading glasses that Reiss wears.
And since it’s been a while, everyone is eager for Sonia to find a new squeeze in the Square.
Dot’s funeral will air this year, the BBC soap opera recently announced, and some of the soap’s iconic characters will appear.
Dot was a mainstay in EastEnders from 1985 until 2020, and she over the years developed into a soap icon.
To say goodbye to the laundromat assistant who touched many lives, some of Walford’s most beloved and enduring characters will return.
To say goodbye with Dot’s stepgranddaughter Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), old friends like Colin Russell (played by Lord Michael Cashman CBE), Barry Clark (Gary Hailes), George “Lofty” Holloway (Tom Watt), Mary “the punk” Smith (Linda Davidson), and Disa O’Brien (Jan Graveson) will also be there.
The episode gives the actors a chance to pay tribute to their late co-star, who passed away in April at the age of 95.
Chris said: “It’s an honor to invite so many of Walford’s beloved characters back to pay tribute to Dot.” as scenes were being shot.
“Dot had a significant impact on the lives of numerous young people over the years who were facing the most difficult obstacles in life.
“We wanted to bring together some of the people she helped the most because her warmth, heart, and compassion changed lives.
“I’m delighted that these gifted and kind actors wanted to share this unique experience with us so we can give Dot a proper send-off,” the actor said.
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