EastEnders to air special theme music for Dot Branning's funeral

However, there is a musical tribute on the way for viewers as a special theme has been composed for the event.

Composer Simon May, who created the iconic original EastEnders theme song, returned to deliver the special Dot's Theme which plays out Monday's funeral episode (12th December 2022).

Of course, Dot's Theme is not the first instance of an altered version of the EastEnders theme tune.

Fans are more than aware of Julia's Theme, an alternative and more emotive piano rendition that is used to conclude more gentle, poignant or happy conclusions to episodes.

It has been used a total of 71 times across the show's history and was named after one of the show's co-creators, Julia Smith.

The last instance of Julia's Theme being used was in March 2022 for the exit of Keegan Baker (Zack Morris) and Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith).

There have been other special reworkings of the theme tune too, with Kathy's Theme for the exit of Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) from the soap in 1998, Peggy's Theme for the exit of Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) in 2010 and then for her death in 2016, and Pat's Theme for the death of Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement) in 2012.

Dot's funeral episode promises to be highly emotional and also features the comebacks of numerous faces from the soap's past whose lives were touched by Dot.

Read more:

• EastEnders Christmas preview: Mick Carter in danger and Jay's special plans for Lola
• EastEnders first look at Dot Branning funeral as Lauren, Colin and Mary return

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