'Nasty Nick' set for EastEnders return

EastEnders' Nasty Nick is set to return to Albert Square this Christmas.

Nick Cotton, played by John Altman, will makes his way back to the place he once called home, hoping his old "Ma" Dot will welcome him in the way she always used to.

Nick has been behind bars for the past few years and mystery surrounds what he has been up to, why he is back and whether he has changed his ways.

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!"

Altman appeared in EastEnders' very first episode, which transmitted on February 19 1985.

From the outset, he caused a scandal by murdering Reg Cox and then went on to kill Eddie Royle.

Nick stopped at nothing and nearly succeeded in killing his mother when he tried to poison her.

The last time Nick was living on Albert Square, Dot disowned him when she realised that the death of Nick's son Ashley was his fault.

Nick had been desperate to get his own back on Mark Fowler and was so determined to hurt him that he cut the brakes on his motorbike.

But it was Ashley who took the fatal bike ride.

For the past few years Nick has been living at Her Majesty’s Pleasure for drug-related offences.

Diederick Santer, EastEnders executive producer, 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."