Nick’s son arrives much to Dot’s surprise.

Declan Bennett

EastEnders Dot Cotton is in for a shock later this year when her grandson, Charlie Cotton, whom she never knew existed, turns up on her doorstep.

Charlie, played by star of stage and screen, Declan Bennett, is Nick’s eldest son. Named after his grandfather, Charlie is soon to arrive in Walford but why is he looking for his grandmother after all these years? There are many questions to be answered about Charlie Cotton but with both good and bad running through the Cotton family, which thread has Charlie taken?

Actor and musician Declan is currently playing the lead role, Guy, in the UK premiere of the Tony award-winning musical Once, at the Phoenix Theatre, London.

Speaking of joining EastEnders, Declan said “I’m delighted to be joining the cast of EastEnders, especially at what seems to be an extremely exciting time for the show.  June Brown is not only an incredible actress but has also created one of TV’s most iconic characters so to be working alongside her is a dream come true.”

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer adds “Declan is a genuinely raw, instinctive and intelligent actor. It’s tremendously exciting for us to have him join our cast – and the double whammy of him and June Brown working together is going to be electric. With Dot feeling increasingly alone in the world, Charlie’s surprise appearance means that she finally has some blood whom she can trust. But should she?  ”

Declan begins filming his EastEnders role later this month and will appear on screen in March.