Former EastEnders star June Brown has reportedly been advised by doctors to continue smoking.

The 93-year-old actress shocked producers earlier this year by revealing that she had decided to quit her role as Dot Cotton and would not be returning.

According to her on-screen son John Altman - aka Nasty Nick - Brown has attempted to curb her 70-year habit of smoking 20 a day but given her age, she has been told it is safer to continue smoking rather than go cold turkey.

Speaking to The Sun, Altman said: "She is still smoking, unfortunately, but the doctors have told her not to stop now.

"She loves her ciggies. She smokes at least ten a day."

On screen Dot was last seen in January, leaving Walford to visit family in Ireland.