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. 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); a one-night-stand with Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack) which resulted in her pregnancy and their marriage; the car accident th