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How old is John Altman and who did The Real Marigold Hotel star play in EastEnders?

THE Real Marigold Hotel series four will see EastEnders star John Altman return to our screens with seven other celebrities.

But how old is John and who did he play in EastEnders? Here’s what we know…

 John Altman is back on our screens in The Real Marigold Hotel series four
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John Altman is back on our screens in The Real Marigold Hotel series fourCredit: Dan Charity - The Sun

How old is John Altman?

John Altman is 68. He was born John Clarkson Stewart on March 2, 1952.

Altman married Brigitte Poodhun in 1986 but they divorced in 1997.

The pair has one daughter, Rosanna.

The star has revealed a history of drug-taking and boozing but has been clean since 1997.

 John Altman is best known for playing villain of the East End 'Nasty' Nick Cotton, pictured here with his on-screen Ma
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John Altman is best known for playing villain of the East End 'Nasty' Nick Cotton, pictured here with his on-screen MaCredit: BBC Handout

Who did The Real Marigold Hotel star play in EastEnders?

John Altman is best known for playing villain of the East End "Nasty" Nick  Cotton on and off for 30 years.

He appeared in the very first episode of EastEnders, back in 1985.

His character was the son of Charlie and Dot Cotton and was a notorious villain.

From his first murder of Reg Cox, whose dead body was discovered in the first episode, Nick went on to commit many other serious crimes.

 John is best known for his role as Nasty Nick in EastEnders, son of Dot Cotton
John is best known for his role as Nasty Nick in EastEnders, son of Dot CottonCredit: Dan Charity - The Sun

He often reappeared  over the years, usually to torment his long-suffering "Ma", Dot, even at one point trying to kill her and steal her bingo winnings.

Nick finally met his end after consuming a dodgy batch of heroin bought for him by his mother in the soap’s 30th anniversary in 2015.

Dot refused to ring for an ambulance, leaving her son's fate in God's hands.

He was eventually found dead by Stacey Slater, Martin Fowler and Kush Kazemi.

Only his son Charlie, Roxy Mitchell and his grandson Matthew attended his funeral.

 The Real Marigold Hotel returned to our screens on April 30
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The Real Marigold Hotel returned to our screens on April 30Credit: BBC

When is The Real Marigold Hotel on TV?

The Real Marigold Hotel follows a group of celebrities as they explore India and consider what it would be like to retire there.

It was inspired by the 2011 film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

The show's first episode aired on Thursday, April 30, at 9pm on BBC One.

It will run for 4 episodes.

The Real Marigold Hotel - A group of celebrities see if they can have a better retirement in India than in the UK
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