To celebrate the return of EastEnders legend John Altman as the iconic Nick Cotton, BBC Three is to air a special documentary entitled EastEnders: Nick Cotton Returns.

His seven-year absence is rectified on Christmas Day as Walford's original bad boy makes his comeback to the Square, uttering those distinctive words to Dot (June Brown), "Merry Christmas, Ma".

The show will feature behind-the-scenes access to Nick's return episodes, archive footage of classic Nick in action and the usual interviews from cast members past and present.

The hour special will also explore those other legendary Walford character who have made comebacks over the years, including Dirty Den Watts, Sharon Rickman, Frank Butcher, the Mitchell brothers and Janine Butcher.

EastEnders: Nick Cotton Returns is due to air on Tuesday, December 30 at 8pm on BBC Three.

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