John Clarkson Stewart, known professionally as John Altman, is an English actor, singer and director, best known for playing ‘Nasty’ Nick Cotton in Eastenders. He was one of the original cast members on the TV series, appearing in the very first episode in 1985 and since then as a recurring character. John Altman had a successful TV and theatre career, before becoming a published author in 2016.

John Altman: Early Life

John was born in Reading, Berkshire, England as John Clarkson Stewart, before changing his name. His maternal grandfather was actor, Johnnie Schofield Jr, who appeared in old TV films including 1942's ‘Went The Day Well’.

John Altman made his acting debut in the 1979 film ‘The First Great Robbery’ in which he played a minor role. Also in 1979, he portrayed musician George Harrison in the biographical television film ‘Birth of The Beatles’. In 1983, Altman portrayed a Rebel Pilot in the hit Star Wars trilogy movie ‘Return of the Jedi’, although the role was minor and Altman was uncredited.

Finding Fame as "Nasty" Nick Cotton in Eastenders

In 1985 John Altman first appeared as the villainous character ‘Nasty’ Nick Cotton, in the new BBC television soap opera, Eastenders. He appeared in the very first episode which aired in February of that year. He was kept on as a recurring character and made regular appearances in the show, infamously becoming known as ‘Nasty’ Nick, in reference to the mean ego of the character he played.

Altman was one of the frontline characters who had many famous storylines in the show, including the infamous murders of Reg Cox and Eddie Royle, his attempt to kill his own mother, Dot Cotton, by poisoning her, and his various feuds with the East End's finest: Pete Beale, Den Watts and Mark Fowler. He also contributed towards the death of his own son, Ashley, by sabotaging a motorbike which Ashley ended up stealing and crashing.

Nick's famous catchphrases include "Alright, Ma" and "stupid git", which contributed to his persona. He was ranked 45th on The 100 Greatest EastEnders Characters of All Time in 2015.

John Altman's Music Career

In August 2010, Altman joined a band called ‘Heavy Metal Kids’ as the lead singer, although left shortly after to focus on his acting career. Since then, he's dabbled in music both as a hobby and professionally. However, in the music industry, he goes by the name "Johnny" so as not to get confused with composer, John Altman. In 2001, Altman also performed in the Leiber and Stoller tribute evening at the Hammersmith Apollo, singing ‘Trouble’, originally performed by Elvis Presley.

Stage and TV Career

John has numerous TV credits to his name including playing Thomas De Quincey in The Ghosts of Oxford Street with Sinead O’Connor, and a rock star in The Paradise Club, alongside Leslie Grantham and Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden. In addition, he has presented TV game shows such as Up your News and has been a voice-over artist for 25 years.

Outside of television, John Altman has appeared in an adult pantomime, entitled Pussy in Boots, which was released on video in 1994. In the pantomime, Altman appeared alongside fellow Eastenders stars Mike Reid and Barbara Windsor. In 2001, he won the Rear of the Year award alongside Claire Sweeney.

In 2002, John Altman toured the UK playing the role of Billy Flynn in the long-running musical ‘Chicago’. He also appeared in the John Godber written stage play ‘Bouncers’ opposite fellow soap actor, Nigel Pivaro, who is best known for playing the role of Terry Duckworth in Coronation Street.

Onto the Hollywood Movies

In 2009, John starred as the character Wayne Wilson in the movie ‘Photo Shoot’, alongside EastEnders co-star, Debbie Arnold. Altman has also starred alongside Gary Oldman in Rememberance (1982) to add to his illustrious credits.

Other notable film performances include An American Warewolf in London (1981), My Lonely Me (2015) and Birth of the Beatles (1979). Altman had a small cameo role as a rebel pilot in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. His last film appearance was as the voice of Reverend William Willoughby in 2016 animated film ‘I Am Khama’, which explores the colonial past of Botswana.

Other TV Appearances

In 2004, Altman made an appearance in the comedy sketch series ‘Bo’ Selecta!’ as his EastEnders character. In 2006, John was set to appear in an upcoming British film entitled ‘It’s Been Real’ that still has yet to be released.

Altman also made an appearance as a panelist on television chat show ‘The Wright Stuff’ this same year. From late 2010 until early 2011, Altman appeared in adverts for Daz along with actors Michael Starke and Amanda Barrie, from rival soap opera Coronation Street. In February 2011, John Altman appeared on ‘Live from Studio Five’. In January 2012, he appeared as one of the first five couples in the third series of ‘Celebrity Coach Trip’ partnering with fellow actor Derek Martin, they won the series.

A Documentary Stint

In February 2015, Altman appeared as a guest on The Graham Norton Show as part of an EastEnders special episode alongside his co-stars Adam Woodyatt, Danny Dyer, Kellie Bright, Letita Dean, Jessie Wallace, June Brown, Pam St. Clement and Shane Richie.

In February 2017 he appeared in ‘June Brown at 90 - A Walford Legend’, a BBC special documentary that aired in celebration of June Brown’s 90th birthday.

In April 2020, John Altman appeared with seven other celebrities in the fourth series of the BBC travel documentary series ‘The Real Marigold Hotel’, filmed in Puducherry, India.

Nick Returns

His character was also given his own television spin-off episode entitled ‘Return of Nick Cotton’ which aired in October 2000. His character was killed off in the episode that aired on the 13th February 2015 and made his final appearance as a corpse in the 30th-anniversary episode on the 19th February 2015. His body was found in the same way as his victim Reg Cox was found in the very first episode of Eastenders. A year earlier, his character’s death had been announced in the show, only for it to emerge within a few months that Nick had faked his own death.

Where is John Altman Now?

John Altman released his autobiography, ‘In the Nick of Time’, which was published on the 30th June 2016. It documents his personal life, relationship with family, friends, his previous marriage to Bridget Pouhan and travels across Europe and India. Altman's book received several positive reviews, with an average 4-star rating. The star is now also on Thrillz, creating personalised videos for fans, from Eastenders gigs and beyond.… show more