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'Appy Christmas, Ma
Dot Branning gets an 'orrible shock as Nasty Nick returns to EastEnders
24th November 2008[/align]
One of EastEnders' biggest villains Nasty Nick Cotton gives his 'ma' Dot Branning a shock when he turns up at her door on Christmas Day. The pensioner, played by June Brown, is stunned when John Altman's character Nick turns up after being released from prison.
Nasty Nick last appeared in Albert Square in 2001 when he was thrown out of Dot's home following the funeral of his son Ashley. Nick's teenage son Ashley died after he stole Mark Fowler's motorbike, which Nick had tampered with the brakes in the hope of causing an accident involving Mark. Ashley was killed after the bike crashed into the window of the laundrette, devastating both Nick and Dot. Dot blamed Nick for the accident and told him she was cutting him out of her life after the youngster's funeral. After a long period apart, it appears Nick is hoping to give his relationship with his long-suffering mother yet another try.
Altman enthused: '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.' Brown is equally excited: 'He's coming back and because he's doing a pantomime, which was already booked, he has to go off for a couple of months and then he comes back again.'
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As they were: Dot and Nick during his last residence in Walford seven years ago[/align]
Nick appeared in EastEnders' very first episode which transmitted on February 19 1985. He was seen plunging his fist through the window of the Queen Vic in the opening programme. From the outset he caused a scandal by killing Albert Square resident Reg Cox during a robbery. He then went on to kill Eddie Royle. Nick even nearly succeeded in killing his mother when he tried to poison her.
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.'
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Altman has also been busy with personal appearances - here he is turning on the Christmas lights in Reading... it's all go! haha
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