Former EastEnders star June Brown has revealed that she no longer watches the show due to her failing eyesight.

The 93-year-old, who suffers from macular degeneration, blindsided producers earlier this year when she announced that she had decided to quit her role as Dot Branning and would not be returning to the soap.

"I haven't been watching it as I do find it difficult to see the television very clearly," Brown told the Daily Star. "If your sight is poor, there is very little you can do.

"I read my kindle instead. I can see where everything is around the house but nothing is clear."

On how she has been coping during the coronavirus lockdown, she added: "I have been sitting in the garden having some of my family come round. Everybody has been socially distancing.

"I am as well as I always am. I haven't got any virus symptoms. I didn't retire from work, I was intending to do a documentary but unfortunately lockdown happened and I haven't been able to do it."

Dot - a regular in Walford for around 35 years - was last seen leaving to visit relatives in Ireland and as a result of Brown's decision will not be given a proper on-screen exit unless she decides to return in the future.