June Brown and John Altman
Dot Branning will in a forthcoming EastEnders storyline stand trial for killing her son Nick Cotton.
Fans are to be shocked next month when she's charged with the murder and later she confesses, during a week of live episodes to celebrate the soap's 30 years.
A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "Having Dot accused of murdering Nick will be a real shocker.
"Everyone has been waiting for Lucy Beale's killer to be revealed as part of the anniversary week, which will happen. But in this amazing twist, the soap will immediately be plunged into another big murder mystery."
Several months have gone by since the murder of Lucy Beale and with several characters in the frame for that crime, producers are hoping this new twist will keep fans watching even after the big reveal.
"The prospect of widowed pensioner Dot facing trial and being put behind bars for killing her own son is a huge storyline. Producers have been plotting it for over a year, ever since John Altman returned."
Nick was thought to have died recently after faking his own death, leading his mother to think she'd seen a ghost when he returned in the autumn.
With the new storyline not as straightforward as it first appears, it promises to keep viewers hooked.
"'EastEnders' has enjoyed a massive resurgence in recent months and producers are convinced this murder plot involving Dot will help them keep ahead in the ratings battle with 'Coronation Street'."
Tagged in John Altman June Brown