EastEnders legend John Altman is to make a dramatic return to Walford at Christmas as the notorious Nick Cotton.
The 56-year-old actor was last seen in the BBC soap in 2001 when his screen mother Dot Cotton (June Brown) disowned him following the death of her grandson Ashley (Frankie Fitzgerald).
It later transpired that Nick was responsible for his son's death by cutting the brake cables on Mark Fowler's (Todd Carty) motorbike. Despite intending to kill Mark, it was Ashley who rode the bike to his death.
Since leaving Albert Square, Nick has spent time in prison for various drug-related offences. In 2006, Dot made the shocking discovery that her son was ill in hospital with cancer. Following her off-screen visit to him in hospital, he went on to make a full recovery.
Speaking of his return, Altman said: "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!"
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."
He added: "We're very excited that he - and the talented John Altman who plays him - will be returning to the Square."
June Brown called for the return of her screen son, claiming that Dot "needs him in her life".
Altman begins filming at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Herts - home to EastEnders - later this month, while producers are keeping tight-lipped as to the exact date of his screen reappearance.
At around the same time, Charlie Brooks returns as Janine Butcher following her successful-but-brief comeback earlier this year
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