EastEnders fans got a shock when they tuned in to see former star John Altman in BBC Two's The Real Marigold Hotel – and it's not because he's actually nice.
The Real Marigold Hotel follows a group of older celebrities as they travel to India to see whether retirement there is more rewarding than in the UK, and in the reality-turned-travel show's latest series, Nasty Nick himself is taking that journey.
John last appeared as the devious son of Dot Branning in 2015, when Nick Cotton was killed off once and for all after his long-suffering 'ma' finally saw his villainous true colours. Although five years have passed since then, it appears nothing much has changed.
Literally – nothing.
It didn't take long for Real Marigold Hotel viewers to voice their shock at John Altman's age (he's now 68), with many sharing their disbelief on Twitter. "NO WAY!!!" one viewer shouted. "He still looks like Nasty Nick Cotton from years ago!!!"
"So the guy who played Nick Cotton, John Altman, is 68, that's unbelievable," another agreed, before joking if the actor's secret to longevity was "embalming fluid".
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One viewer also complimented John on his surprisingly youthful appearance, writing: "John Altman doesn't look any different to how he did 25 years ago in EastEnders!"
While John Altman might be causing a stir in real life, the spectre of Nasty Nick is long gone in EastEnders. (Un)fortunately for Albert Square, however, his daughter Dotty Cotton is fast-assuming her father's mantle of a Walford icon.
The Real Marigold Hotel continues Thursday, May 14 at 9pm on BBC Two. EastEnders currently airs on Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.
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