John Altman says June Brown quit 'EastEnders' over her character's storylines.
John Altman
The 68-year-old actor - who played 'Nasty' Nick Cotton on and off from 1985 to 2015 - has opened up on his former co-star's decision to leave her role as his on-screen mum Dot after 35 years.
He told Entertainment Daily: "She wasn't doing enough and that was about it really. She wasn't happy with the storylines – no other reason [why she left]."
However, he hit out at the idea the 93-year-old actress had walked away from Walford over the recasting of Dotty Cotton, which saw Molly Conlin - who left in 2010 - replaced with Milly Zero last year.
He said: "She wasn't pleased with the recasting of Dotty but that wasn't the reason she left. I wish people would get it right sometimes. It's highly irritating.
"She wasn't pleased and nor was I because the former actress, Molly Conlin, was quite capable of playing that part.
"She's a lovely looking girl as well. 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."
John did praise Milly for her performances, but insisted he doesn't seen the need in recasting characters unnecessarily.
He added: "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."
Back in February, soap veteran June revealed she had left the show "for good" and she even snubbed the offer of a retainer contract which would allow her to return in the future.
She said at the time: "I don't want a retainer for 'EastEnders', I've left. I've left for good.
"I've sent her off to Ireland where she'll stay. I've left 'EastEnders.' "
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