Nick Cotton actor John Altman criticises 'EastEnders' for changing actors with 'recast mania'

EastEnders actor John Altman has criticised the soap over its recasting practices.

The Nasty Nick Cotton star, who left the soap in 2015, has said he wasn't pleased when Milly Zero was recast as his onscreen daughter Dotty Cotton from original actor Molly Conlin when the character returned last year and has bemoaned the show's changing faces.

“I’ve no idea on God’s earth why they recast it. I’ve no idea what goes on in their brains up there sometimes.

"She’s done very well the new actress, but why do it? It’s recast mania up there. So many actors have changed and they never look the same," he said in an interview with Entertainment Daily.

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Altman's comments come as last year saw Max Bowden replace Harry Reid as Ben Mitchell, making him the sixth person to assume the role.

This year has also seen Peter Beale recast with Dayle Hudson in the role, making him the seventh actor to play Ian Beale's son.

His predecessor was Ben Hardy, who went on to star as Roger Taylor in Bohemian Rhapsody.

As Hudson stands at 6 foot 3 it also brought in a noticeable change to the character's height, something which the actor has made light of.

Altman also touched upon June Brown's exit from the soap and how it wasn't down to the Dotty recasting although she "wasn't pleased" with the decision.

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The Dot Cotton star bowed out earlier this year after 35 years in the role, with Altman confirming she "wasn't happy with the storylines".

Announcing her departure back in February, Brown said she'd sent the character "off to Ireland" for good.

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