Dot's sister Rose

[Perdita]

EastEnders favourite Dot Branning is to be reunited with her estranged sister Rose in a forthcoming storyline, Digital Spy can confirm.

Bosses at the BBC soap have cast actress and singer Polly Perkins in the role of Rose, who has had little contact with Dot for most of their lives.

Animosity between the siblings began many years ago when Rose embarked on an affair with Dot's first husband Charlie.

However, after suffering a bout of hypochondria later this year, Dot - played by June Brown - will decide that it's finally time to put things right and track down her sister.

Billed as "flighty, fun and not one to age gracefully", Rose is very different from Dot and is not pleased to see her after so many years.

However, insiders have hinted that there could be another reason why Rose is uneasy about the unexpected reunion.

Perkins is best known for her role as Trish Valentine in Eldorado. She has also appeared on screen alongside Brown before as they both appeared in BBC drama Rules of Justice in the 1980s.

Speaking of her casting, Perkins commented: "I am thrilled to be joining the cast of EastEnders, the show is a real British institution with an extraordinary creative team. I'm really looking forward to working with June again, who I have been friends with for over 30 years."

Fans have seen Dot left heartbroken this week as her beloved husband Jim was moved into a care home because she could no longer look after him on Albert Square.

Her new storyline will air in the summer.

[JustJodi]

I had to look up this woman since I had no idea who she was, looks like this sister is going to be alot younger than Dot http://www.queermusicheritage.us/AUG2004/pollygay2.jpg

[crystalsea]

wonder if she had Charlie's love child and thats why she is uneasy about the reunion! Would rub salt into the wound if her kid turned out all good!

[lizann]

Wow sounds good

[Chloe O'brien]

I hope she and Dot have some comedy moments. Dot needs some happy times.

[Perdita]

Could be a more recent photo

[JustJodi]

wonder if she had Charlie's love child and thats why she is uneasy about the reunion! Would rub salt into the wound if her kid turned out all good!

If I read this correctly Dot is the one who is seeking out the sister ???

[Perdita]

EastEnders legend June Brown filmed on location yesterday for scenes showing her character Dot Branning reunited with estranged sister Rose.

As announced last month, former Eldorado actress Polly Perkins has joined the cast of the soap in the role of Rose, who has had little contact with Dot for most of their lives.

EastEnders filming took place at the seaside in Southend, Essex yesterday as the storyline apparently sees Dot track down Rose at her home near the beach.

Scenes shot on the day saw Dot and Rose having "sombre" conversations, hinting at their strained relationship, the Daily Mail reports.

Last month, show bosses confirmed that Dot decides to visit her sister after suffering a bout of hypochondria.

The pair are not on good terms as Rose once embarked on an affair with Dot's first husband Charlie. However, it is thought that Dot is now keen to bury the hatchet.

Perkins's first scenes as Rose will air later in the summer.

[tammyy2j]

I hope she becomes a permanent fixture on the square

[Chloe O'brien]

I just want Dot to have some happy times.