Lord Michael Cashman reprises his role as EastEnders’ Colin Russell to film Dot Cotton’s funeral

Lord Michael Cashman has reprised his role as Colin Russell in EastEnders as he headed back to the set to film Dot Cotton’s funeral on Wednesday.

The actor, who has since retired from acting to pursue a career in politics, was seen chatting with returning star Linda Davidson, who is reprising her role as Mary “The Punk” Smith.

Michael made history when he appeared on EastEnders in the early 1980s, when he became Walford’s first gay resident and shared the first mouth-to-mouth kiss between two men on a British soap opera.

For the scenes, Michael was seen laughing with co-star Linda in between takes as they prepared to say goodbye to Dot for the last time.

Six cast members return to Walford to attend Dot’s funeral following the death of actress June Brown in April.

Of his return, Ord Cashman said: “When I was called back I didn’t even hesitate because I couldn’t imagine not being there in June, and I know Colin couldn’t have imagined Dot not being there.” . had that wonderful, deep friendship that lasted through their years, and it was exactly the same with June and me.

Iconic: The actor made history when he appeared on EastEnders in the early 1980s, when he became Walford’s first gay resident

Friendly: He was seen chatting with returning star Linda Davidson, who reprises her role as Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith as they filmed Dot’s funeral

“June was unique, and there are so many incredible stories I could tell, but one of my favorite moments from Dot was her monologue with Jim – she was a character and actress that will stand the test of time.”

Michael made history when he played “yuppie” Colin in EastEnders, when he became Walford’s first gay resident.

He had a famous friendship with Dot, despite her initial opposition to his homosexuality because it conflicted with her strict religious views.

Since leaving Walford, Michael has pursued a career in politics and was elected Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands in 1999.

respected; Since leaving Walford, Michael has pursued a career in politics and was not only elected an MEP, but was also named a life peer in 2014.

He was awarded a CBE in the 2013 New Year Honors for public and political service, and in 2014 Michael became a life partner, earning him a place in the House Of Lords.

In 2016, Lord Michael also made a brief return to EastEnders to reprise his role as Colin, going back to the square to try and convince Dot to attend his wedding, as she became reluctant due to her opposition to same-sex marriage. .

However, after witnessing the funeral of Paul Coker, who was killed in a homophobic assault, Dot agrees to attend Colin’s wedding, much to his delight.

Surprise! In 2016, Lord Michael also made a brief return to EastEnders to reprise his role as Colin, returning to the Square to convince Dot to attend his wedding.