Altman credits co-star for 'Enders return

EastEnders star John Altman has claimed that June Brown is responsible for his Walford return.

The 56-year-old actor will make a dramatic comeback as Nick Cotton on the BBC One soap this Christmas.

Brown, who plays Nick's mother Dot, has been hoping for his return for months and even made a public plea to producers in May this year.

"The reason I'm back is because June wanted me back," Altman told The Mirror. "She's been campaigning for my return and phoned my agent. I think she must have missed me. I am thrilled to be going back to Albert Square."

Altman will start filming later this month following a seven-year break from the soap.