Charlie Cotton (2014 character)

Charlie Cotton is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Declan Bennett. He first appeared on 10 March 2014. He was introduced as the grandson of established character, Dot Branning, played by June Brown and the son of original character, Nick Cotton (John Altman). The character and casting was announced on 22 January 2014. Charlie arrived to inform Dot, who was unaware of his existence, that Nick had died, but it later transpired that this was not the truth as Nick returned in October. His storylines have included: his desperation to keep Nick's fake death secret; his relationships with Dot and mother, Yvonne Cotton (Pauline McLynn); a one-night stand with Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack) which resulted in her pregnancy and their marriage; the car accident that resulted in the birth of his son, Matthew Mitchell Cotton and Ronnie being left in a coma; his affair with Ronnie's sister, Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons); the breakdown of his marriage and subsequent departure.

It was announced on 23 July 2015 that Bennett had been axed by show bosses. Charlie's departure episode was broadcast on 24 September 2015, where viewers were left wondering if Charlie had been killed by Ronnie and Vincent Hubbard (Richard Blackwood), though he is later revealed to be alive. On 5 April 2017, it was revealed that Bennett would be reprising the role, with Charlie returning on 5 May. He departed again on 9 June, although his voice is heard via a phone call on 12 June. Bennett made another return for two episodes from 14 to 15 December.