John Altman's Nick return

Thursday, 2 October 2008

John Altman is to reprise his role of 'Nasty' Nick Cotton in 'EastEnders'.

The 56-year-old actor is due to return to the soap at Christmas. He was last seen on screen in 2001 when his on-screen mother, Dot, played by June Brown, disowned him following the death of his son Ashley - who was killed after Nick tampered with the motorbike of his rival Mark Fowler.

Nick returns to the square hoping to stay with Dot - who paid him an off-screen visit in 2006 after he was diagnosed with cancer - after being released from prison where he served a sentence for various drug offences.

John - who revealed he is delighted to be back on the BBC soap - added: "After an absence of seven years, I am thrilled to return to Albert Square. The BBC have always given me great storylines as Nick Cotton and I look forward to seeing if Nick will once again spread fear and loathing throughout the Square!"

'EastEnders' executive producer Diederick Santer said: "Nick Cotton is an 'EastEnders' legend. His complex relationship with Dot, his criminal tendencies, and his addiction to heroin, violence, and everything else that's bad have made him one of the show's best-remembered and best-loved villains.

"We're very excited that he - and the talented John Altman who plays him - will be returning to the Square."

John is due to begin filming next week, though the exact date of his return is being kept under wraps.

Earlier this year, June called for the return of Nick, arguing that Dot "needs him in her life."

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