June Brown as Dot Branning
'EastEnders' character Nick Cotton is to be killed off later this year.
The Walford bad boy is set to meet his maker in an off-screen death that will usher in the arrival of his son Charlie Cotton, played by theatre actor Declan Bennett.
Soap stalwart Dot Branning (June Brown) will receive a visit from police officers later this month, who break the tragic news to her that Nick - played by John Altman - has died.
The nefarious character was last seen in the BBC One soap in 2009 when he set fire to the café.
A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "It's the call that Dot always knew she would get one day - that Nick is dead. But when it comes she's still devastated. Nick has put her through so much over the years. He really is the soap's original villain."
Charlie will then arrive in Albert Square, much to the shock of his grandmother Dot, who has no idea he exists.
The introduction of Nick's son will leave Dot and other Walford residents wondering whether the newcomer is trustworthy or as villainous as his father.
Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins is quoted by RadioTimes.com as saying: "With Dot feeling increasingly alone in the world, Charlie's surprise appearance means that she finally has some blood whom she can trust. But should she?"
Tagged in John Altman June Brown