Charlie Cotton (2014 character)

Not to be confused with Charlie Cotton.

Charlie Cotton
EastEnders character
Portrayed byDeclan Bennett
Duration2014–2015, 2017
First appearanceEpisode 4817
10 March 2014 (2014-03-10)
Last appearanceEpisode 5616
15 December 2017 (2017-12-15)
ClassificationFormer; regular
Created byDominic Treadwell-Collins
Introduced by
In-universe information
Occupation
  • Caretaker
  • Car salesman
  • Car dealership manager
  • Hotel manager
FatherNick Cotton
MotherYvonne Cotton
Half-brothersAshley Cotton
Half-sistersDotty Cotton
WifeRonnie Mitchell (2015–2016)
Liz Cotton (2016–)
SonsMatthew Mitchell Cotton
GrandfathersCharlie Cotton
GrandmothersDot Cotton
UnclesAndrew Cotton
Tom Cotton

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.[1] 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);[2] a one-night stand with Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack)[3] which resulted in her pregnancy[4] and their marriage;[5] 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);[6] the breakdown of his marriage; and his subsequent departure.

It was announced on 23 July 2015 that Bennett had been axed by show bosses.[7] 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),[8] 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.[9] 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.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference CharlieC was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "EastEnders role for Father Ted actress". Digital Spy. 24 April 2014.
  3. ^ "EastEnders passion for Ronnie, Charlie". Digital Spy. 30 March 2014.
  4. ^ "Enders baby, Corrie spark, Oaks terror". Digital Spy. 27 September 2014.
  5. ^ "Enders: First look as Ronnie, Charlie wed". Digital spy. 19 December 2014.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Roxy sleeps with Charlie was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ "EastEnders exit for Charlie Cotton". Digital Spy. 23 July 2015.
  8. ^ "EastEnders: Has Charlie just been killed?". Digital Spy. 24 September 2015.
  9. ^ Lindsay, Duncan (3 May 2017). "12 massive soap returns ahead and what the storylines will be". Metro. Retrieved 4 May 2017.