Nasty Nick's daughter drama

Wednesday, 3 December 2008

'EastEnders' bosses are introducing a daughter for 'Nasty' Nick Cotton.

The soap's bad boy, played by John Altman, returns to the soap later this month and stuns his mother Dot Branning - played by veteran actress June Brown - when he reveals a surprise guest, seven-year-old Dotty.

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Dotty's first words in the show are, 'Ello Grandma', echoing her father's 'Alright Ma?' catchphrase.

John, 56, has played the character on and off since the soap began in 1985, most recently in 2001, and says he is delighted by the storyline.

He said: "It's wonderful to be back with such a bombshell. I loved filming the Christmas scenes with June and I'm back to cause havoc in the New Year."

The storyline sees a reluctant Dot unwilling to let her son in, because she thinks he has brought a girlfriend along when she hears a female voice, only for it to be revealed it is his child, played by Molly Conlin.

Although his return is scheduled to last three months, the actor admits he would love to stay longer.

He added: "I'll be back for at least three months. I'd love to come back permanently. Nick's a great character to play."

However, he doubts the former heroin addicted murderer will be able to change for his new responsibilities.

He said: "Nick's a bad egg. I'm not sure the viewers would but it if he changed or found God.

"Though he is a dad now, so you never know. 'EastEnders' is the best it has ever been at the moment."

June recently spoke of her happiness at John's return to the show.

She said: "Nick will return on Christmas Day. We've tried to make it a little more jolly, and not so bloomin' dreary. Dot and Nick have a bit of a laugh, and it'll be nice.

"I'm really pleased, because I've been fighting to get John back in the show for at least five years, and now I've finally succeeded."

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