Dotty Cotton is heading back to Albert Square, but what has bought her back to her old home after nearly 10 years away?
EastEnders has announced today that Dot Cotton's troublesome granddaughter Dotty is making a surprise return to the Square after nearly a decade away... and with a father like the late Nick Cotton, there's no doubt she's set to cause trouble.
The role will be played by actress Milly Zero, who is best known for playing Hannah in CBBC's All at Sea, and will be seen on screen for the first time this autumn.
The last time viewers saw Dotty in Walford she proved that the apple never falls far from the tree when she agreed to join her dad in an evil plot to kill Dot.
Thankfully for EastEnders fans Dotty's conscience got the better of her before they could go through with their wicked plan, and she double crossed her nasty dad at the last minute, leading him to flee Walford.
Despite the fact Nick had told everyone that Dotty's mum had died, that soon turned out to be yet another of the villain's lies when Dot got a visit from Sandy, Dotty's mother.
After Dotty reunited with her mum the pair headed off to America to start a new life back in 2010... and most recently viewers have learnt that Dotty is now living in Wales with her mum, with Dot regularly visiting her granddaughter.
Back in 2010 Dotty was a young schoolgirl, but nine years later she is a very different person all together.
An EastEnders insider revealed: "Dotty returns to Walford as a young, confident woman who can manipulate her way to anything. Arriving with Dot and back to attend University, Dotty makes an instant impression on faces both old and new.
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"With such a complex history with Albert Square, it’s safe to say Dotty’s return spells trouble with a capital T."
Dotty is set to make her comeback with her grandma Dot, and actress Milly wouldn't be more excited about her new role: "I am honestly so excited to be playing Dotty Cotton and joining the E20 family. Especially playing alongside June Brown, who I have been watching on my telly since I was a young girl.
"Her and Dotty have such an interesting relationship to explore with a complicated history, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. It all feels very surreal and I am buzzing already!”
EastEnders Executive Producer Jon Sen has promised the character will be coming back with a bang: “We’re all super-excited to welcome Dotty back to the Square – sharp-witted and with an eye for human weakness, she’s not afraid to say what she thinks.
"We are also thrilled that Milly will be taking on the role – her versatility as an actress and ability to capture Dotty’s blend of sass, intelligence and vulnerability ensure that Dotty will return with a bang this autumn.”
EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
