'Eastenders' villain Nick Cotton played by John Altman is due to return to the Square at Christmas, according to reports.
Digitalspy reports that Dot Cotton’s son last appeared on the soap in 2001 after he was disowned by his mother following the death of his son (Ashley) and that he is now due for a comeback.
His character has been languishing in jail since his exit for drugs offences but briefly was mentioned in storylines in 2006 when his mother went to visit him as he was suffering from cancer from which he made a full recovery.
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."
