EASTENDERS bosses are bringing back Nasty Nick Cotton to Albert Square in time for Christmas.
The criminal and drug addict, played by John Altman, returns after seven years in jail - just in time to dampen his mum Dot's festive cheer.
Altman, 56, said: "After an absence of seven years I am thrilled to return 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!"
Show sources say he returns to Walford and goes staight back to his Ma, claiming to have turned over a new leaf.
The source added: "He is not your normal candidate for a born-again Christian but Nick certainly tries to say he is reformed and wants Dot to trust him. But she has heard that a few times before."
Altman appeared as Cotton in East-Enders' first episode in1985.
From the outset he caused a scandal by murdering Reg Cox and then went on to kill Eddie Royle.
He also tried to poison his mum. The last time Nasty Nick was living on the square, Dot disowned him when she realised he was to blame for his son Ashley's death.