EastEnders actress Molly Conlin, 18, played the granddaughter of Dot Cotton (played by June Brown) from 2008 to 2010.
Ahead of Dotty’s return nine years later, it’s been revealed Molly’s ex alter ego will now be played by actress Milly Zero, 20,
Discussing the change, Molly insisted soap bosses wanted Dolly to “appear a lot older and be played by someone in their 20s” this time around.
She told The Sun: “They did approach me, unfortunately they wanted the new Dotty to go back and appear a lot older and be played by someone in their 20s.
“Of course I would have loved to have returned to EastEnders, but I believe everything happens for a reason.”
Molly also took to her Instagram story to share her thoughts on the news.
In view of her 15,000 followers, she shared a picture of Milly and reiterated what she told the publication.
“Everyone’s asking so many questions so I thought I’d write a post,” she began.
She added: “Of course I’m very upset,“ before issuing the same statement.
Express.co.uk has contacted a representative for EastEnders for comment.
During Molly’s time as a mischievous young Dotty, she played pranks on her nan and the late Jim Branning (John Bardon).
Dotty’s last scenes on the soap saw her moving to America and then Wales to start a new life with her mother.
This time around, Dotty will be seen as a a university student when Dot visits the pair at their new home.
EastEnders boss Jon Sen has teased that Dotty Cotton will be back with “a bang”.
He said in a statement: “We’re all super-excited to welcome Dotty back to the Square – sharp-witted and with an eye for human weakness, she’s not afraid to say what she thinks.
“We are also thrilled that Milly will be taking on the role – her versatility as an actress and ability to capture Dotty’s blend of sass, intelligence and vulnerability ensure that Dotty will return with a bang this autumn.”
Addressing her new role, Molly said: “I am honestly so excited to be playing Dotty Cotton and joining the E20 family, especially playing alongside June Brown, who I have been watching on my telly since I was a young girl.
“Her and Dotty have such an interesting relationship to explore with a complicated history, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.
“It all feels very surreal and I am buzzing already.”
EastEnders continues tonight at 8pm on BBC One.