Villian returns to Eastenders

Nasty Nick Cotton is on his way back to EastEnders, The Sun can reveal.

Nick, one of Walford’s most notorious villains, will return to telly’s Albert Square this Christmas to torment his long-suffering mum Dot.

The soap creep, played by John Altman, has spent the past few years banged up for drug offences.

But he returns hoping Dot, veteran actress June Brown, will welcome him home with open arms.

Nick, who appeared in the BBC soap’s very first episode in 1985, was last seen in June 2001.

Last night actor John, 56, said: “After an absence of seven years I am thrilled to return. I’ve always been given great storylines and look forward to seeing if Nick will once again spread fear and loathing throughout the Square.”

EastEnders boss Diederick Santer added: “Nick Cotton is an EastEnders legend. We’re very excited that he — and the talented John Altman — are coming back.”

Nick sparked chaos from the outset of the show by murdering Reg Cox and later killed Eddie Royle.

He nearly succeeded in finishing off Dot too when he locked her in her flat and tried to poison her.

The telly bad boy also had a spell in a wheelchair when he fell from a viaduct during a struggle with old enemy Mark Fowler.