Death! Destruction! Whodunits with cliffhanger endings! From Lucy Beale to Tina McIntyre to (almost) Ross Barton, there's been a lot of murders in soapland lately.
We've taken the big five soaps and crunched the numbers to discover the deadliest (and safest) places to live. How? By dividing the total murders by the show's number of years on air. We've been strict with the rules, so accidental killings don't count unless there was malicious intent. We also don't allow murders that occur miles away from the main location (unless it was somehow started there, like the Neighbours plane bomb).
Yep, we know it's morbid, but it's grimly fascinating. So here are the soaps ranked by their murder rates:
5. Neighbours
Murders: 10 in 30 years (Click here for the full list)
Average murders per year: 0.33
Even sunny Erinsborough can have the odd murder here and there, but not that many in comparison to other soap towns.
We've taken the big five soaps and crunched the numbers to discover the deadliest (and safest) places to live. How? By dividing the total murders by the show's number of years on air. We've been strict with the rules, so accidental killings don't count unless there was malicious intent. We also don't allow murders that occur miles away from the main location (unless it was somehow started there, like the Neighbours plane bomb).
Yep, we know it's morbid, but it's grimly fascinating. So here are the soaps ranked by their murder rates:
5. Neighbours
Murders: 10 in 30 years (Click here for the full list)
Average murders per year: 0.33
Even sunny Erinsborough can have the odd murder here and there, but not that many in comparison to other soap towns.
- 9/3/2015
- Digital Spy
John Altman wants to become a full time rock star. The 'EastEnders' actor released a cover of Iggy Pop's 'Wild One' with girlband JOANovARC at Christmas time and has now revealed he wants to focus entirely on music once his character Nick Cotton is killed off in the BBC One soap next month. He said: ''If everything takes off with the group then I will devote at least a year to it all. ''I would give up my acting to pursue it, I have been knocking on the rock 'n' roll door for years.'' The 62-year-old star has appeared in the popular drama...
- 1/12/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Dot Branning will be accused of killing her son, Nick, in a forthcoming 'EastEnders' storyline. The much-loved character - played by veteran actress June Brown, 87 - will shock fans next month when she is charged with the murder of 'Nasty' Nick Cotton (John Altman) and later confesses, during a week of live episodes celebrating the soap's 30th anniversary. A source revealed: ''Having Dot accused of murdering Nick will be a real shocker. ''Everyone has been waiting for Lucy Beale's killer to be revealed as part of the anniversary week, which will happen. But in this amazing twist, the soap will immediately...
- 1/11/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
John Altman is releasing a Christmas single. The 'EastEnders' actor - who is best known as the soap's Nasty Nick Cotton - has teamed up with JOANovARC to record a new version of Iggy Pop's 'Real Wild Child (Wild One)' and is hoping to top the festive chart ahead of Band Aid 30 and 'The X Factor' winner. He said: ''I've always wanted to release a record, that is one of the things on my wish list. ''It'd be something else [to reach number one ahead of Band Aid]. You can't tell can you? But we're going all out for it because...
- 11/21/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
'EastEnders' newcomer Charlie Cotton will raise suspicion as Dot Branning prepares for her son's funeral next week. Dot - played by June Brown - recently learned her wayward offspring Nick Cotton has died and is determined for him to be brought home to Albert Square before being buried. The Walford matriarch tasks her long-lost grandson Charlie (Declan Bennett) with bringing Nick home, but having prepared herself to view the body, she is dismayed to discover the coffin is screwed shut. When Dot requests for the lid to be unscrewed, Charlie and funeral director Les Coker begin behaving oddly, suggesting all is not as...
- 3/19/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
'EastEnders' character Nick Cotton will be killed off. The Walford bad boy is set to meet his maker in an off-screen death that will usher in the arrival of his son Charlie Cotton, played by theatre actor Declan Bennett. Soap stalwart Dot Branning (June Brown) will receive a visit from police officers later this month, who break the tragic news to her that Nick - played by John Altman - has died. The nefarious character was last seen in the BBC One soap in 2009 when he set fire to the café. A source told the Daily Star newspaper: ''It's the call that Dot...
- 3/3/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
'EastEnders' character Nick Cotton will be killed off. The Walford bad boy is set to meet his maker in an off-screen death that will usher in the arrival of his son Charlie Cotton, played by theatre actor Declan Bennett. Soap stalwart Dot Branning (June Brown) will receive a visit from police officers later this month, who break the tragic news to her that Nick - played by John Altman - has died. The nefarious character was last seen in the BBC One soap in 2009 when he set fire to the café. A source told the Daily Star newspaper: ''It's the call that Dot...
- 3/1/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
'EastEnders' will introduce Dot Branning's long-lost grandson later this year. The Walford stalwart is in for a shock when the eldest son of her villainous offspring Nick Cotton appears on her doorstep unexpectedly. Declan Bennett has been cast in the role of Charlie, Nick's son who is unbeknownst to Dot (June Brown). The character is named after Dot's ex-husband Charlie Cotton. Declan said in a statement: ''I'm delighted to be joining the cast of 'EastEnders', especially at what seems to be an extremely exciting time for the show. June Brown is not only an incredible actress but has also created one of TV's most...
- 1/22/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
EastEnders legend John Altman has revealed that his character Nick Cotton was on the verge of having a gay relationship in the 1980s. The Albert Square soap's co-founder Julia Smith wrote Altman out after he disagreed with a storyline which would have seen a romance for Nick and Lofty Holloway. Altman told The Guardian: "Julia wrote me out for about a year when I protested that Nick wasn't the kind of man who would start a gay relationship with Lofty, another straight character." June Brown recalled the scene: "When he left the room, Julia said, 'Write him out!' They did." Meanwhile, (more)...
- 12/12/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
British TV villain John Altman has joined Oliver! star Mark Lester in a new historic epic about the Battle of Hastings.
The actor, who played 'Nasty' Nick Cotton on U.K. soap Eastenders has signed on to play Earl Leofric of Mercia in 1066.
Announcing the news of his latest casting coup, director Robin Jacob tells WENN, "We are very pleased to announce John's involvement in 1066. He is a great actor who will bring his wealth of experience to the set."
His new film character, Earl Leofric, was one of the most powerful members of the council of Anglo Saxon Earls, clergy and nobles known as the Witan.
Former child star Lester was one of the first people cast in the film - he will portray King Henry II. The movie will also feature Susan George, Lewis Collins and Finding Neverland actress Kate Maberly.
The actor, who played 'Nasty' Nick Cotton on U.K. soap Eastenders has signed on to play Earl Leofric of Mercia in 1066.
Announcing the news of his latest casting coup, director Robin Jacob tells WENN, "We are very pleased to announce John's involvement in 1066. He is a great actor who will bring his wealth of experience to the set."
His new film character, Earl Leofric, was one of the most powerful members of the council of Anglo Saxon Earls, clergy and nobles known as the Witan.
Former child star Lester was one of the first people cast in the film - he will portray King Henry II. The movie will also feature Susan George, Lewis Collins and Finding Neverland actress Kate Maberly.
- 2/29/2012
- WENN
The Master
K Kinsella
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook.
The good guys of British TV such as Doctor Who, Super Ted and Jim Bergerac always get the credit for keeping TV viewers entertained but without baddies there could be no good guys. Villains have been a major part of British TV since the black and white days so we have decided to pay tribute to these unsung anti-heroes by compiling our list of the 10 best British TV baddies.
1. The Master (Doctor Who). It is hard to believe that it is now 40 years since a rogue Timelord first made his way to Earth and started to meddle in the affairs of the Doctor (Jon Pertwee). In the history of British TV, no one has destroyed so many planets, killed so many people and worn so many different black suits. Eric Roberts, John Simm, Anthony Ainley, Peter Pratt...
K Kinsella
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook.
The good guys of British TV such as Doctor Who, Super Ted and Jim Bergerac always get the credit for keeping TV viewers entertained but without baddies there could be no good guys. Villains have been a major part of British TV since the black and white days so we have decided to pay tribute to these unsung anti-heroes by compiling our list of the 10 best British TV baddies.
1. The Master (Doctor Who). It is hard to believe that it is now 40 years since a rogue Timelord first made his way to Earth and started to meddle in the affairs of the Doctor (Jon Pertwee). In the history of British TV, no one has destroyed so many planets, killed so many people and worn so many different black suits. Eric Roberts, John Simm, Anthony Ainley, Peter Pratt...
- 11/1/2011
- by admin
John Altman has revealed that he doesn't think EastEnders' new plot is suitable for a family drama. The actor, who played Nick Cotton in the soap, explained that children who watch the programme will be questioning the storyline which sees 17-year-old Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) become a £50-a-night prostitute. He told Now: "You've got 6-year-olds watching EastEnders while having their dinner. I don't think children of that age should be watching that sort of thing. They'll (more)...
- 2/1/2011
- by By Kristy Kelly
- Digital Spy
Former EastEnders star John Altman has admitted that he was surprised by the "extreme" reaction to the soap's baby swap storyline. The BBC show sparked a record number of complaints last month after screening scenes which saw Ronnie Branning (Samantha Womack) switch her dead son James with Kat Moon's newborn child Tommy. Reflecting on the controversy, Altman - who played Walford bad boy Nick Cotton - told Pa: "I felt it was all a bit odd; maybe it was something that was blown out of all proportion. "It (more)...
- 2/1/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Sam Fox has announced that she is planning to make an appearance on EastEnders in the future. The former glamour model claimed that the soap's producers have been approaching her to star on the programme for over 20 years. Fox, 43, revealed that her ideal role would see her linked to John Altman's villainous character Nick Cotton, who was last seen on screen in June. She told Ok: "I've been asked to go on EastEnders (more)...
- 8/11/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
John Altman has said that he would like a run in West End hit Chicago as Billy Flynn. The 57-year-old soap star, who plays Nick Cotton in the BBC soap, has played the role previously on regional tours. "It's always been my ambition to play Billy in the West End," he told The Sun. Jerry Springer is currently starring in the classic stage musical in (more)...
- 6/8/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
John Altman has admitted that his EastEnders co-star June Brown is like a "second mother". The 57-year-old, who plays Brown's screen son Nick Cotton, revealed that the veteran actress stood by him when he battled alcoholism in the '90s. Altman starred alongside Brown, better known as Albert Square legend Dot Branning, from 1985 to 1993 before making further appearances in 1998, 2000 and 2001. In October last year, it was announced that he would return to the BBC One soap once again after the actress called for another comeback. Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Altman explained: (more)...
- 5/31/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
The café on EastEnders' Bridge Street goes up in flames and ultimately explodes during next week's episodes after an unhinged Nick Cotton (John Altman) holds a group of locals hostage in the building. As a fire ignites in the kitchen area of Ian Beale's (Adam Woodyatt) greasy spoon, a mystery man (Neil McDermott) lunges at Nick, allowing Bradley (Charlie Clements) to lead everyone to safety. The flame-haired Branning manages to lead himself and Nick's group of hostages (more)...
- 5/25/2009
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
This is the dramatic moment that a gas explosion causes a huge fireball to rip through Ian Beale's café in EastEnders. Despite his best laid plans to murder his 'Ma' Dot (June Brown), Nick Cotton (John Altman) is furious to discover that his daughter Dotty (Molly Conlin) has revealed their fatal plot to kill for their inheritance. Tracking the youngster down to the launderette, Nick bundles Dotty into the back of his car but as he attempts to flee the Square, he crashes into the market flower stall. Feeling cornered, Nick grabs Dotty and hauls her into the café with him before locking the door and trapping the locals inside, including Whitney (Shona McGarty), Lucy (Melissa Suffield), Bradley (Charlie Clements) and Syd (Nina Toussaint-White). As those outside (more)...
- 5/24/2009
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
Some of Wendy Richard's former EastEnders co-stars have paid tribute to the actress, who died this morning. Earlier today, it was announced that the 65-year-old had lost her battle with cancer. Adam Woodyatt, who plays her screen nephew Ian Beale, said: "I am so sorry to hear the very sad news about Wendy's death. I have many fond memories of our time together at EastEnders and will remember her with affection. "Knowing that she is no longer in pain and suffering is the only comfort and I hope she rests in peace. My deepest sympathies are with John, their family and friends." Meanwhile, John Altman - Nick Cotton in the Walford drama - said: "I am shocked and saddened to hear the news today. I always enjoyed working with Wendy, even though our characters were poles apart. I will always treasure the memories of a trip we (more)...
- 2/26/2009
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
Nick Cotton is planning to kill off his "old Ma", Max is trying to deal with the fact his own teenage daughter tried to kill him, and Janine is up to her usual evil scheming. EastEnders, as always, is fairly heavy-going viewing. So how can we bring some cheer and merriment to our daily soaps intake? By introducing the Digital Spy EastEnders drinking game - that's how! Rule One - Down a shot each time Dot Branning reels off a quote from the Bible. Rule Two - Make yourself a dirty cocktail if you manage to figure out the family tree that connects Pat Butcher to pretty much everyone in the show. Rule Three - Knock back a swig of rum each time the Argee Bargee curryhouse or Fargo's restaurant is mentioned. Rule Four - Have a double and mixer of choice each time a character cracks into some scotch...
- 1/22/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
EastEnders legend June Brown has revealed that she had been campaigning for John Altman's return to the BBC soap for over five years. Earlier this year, the 81-year-old spoke out about how her Walford counterpart Dot Cotton needs her son Nick Cotton back in her life and is now very happy that John Altman, who plays him, has been asked to make a comeback by the soap's bosses. Speaking on Scottish radio station Larnarkshire (more)...
- 11/11/2008
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
EastEnders star John Altman has claimed that June Brown is responsible for his Walford return. The 56-year-old actor will make a dramatic comeback as Nick Cotton on the BBC One soap this Christmas. Brown, who plays Nick's mother Dot, has been hoping for his return for months and even made a public plea to producers in May this year. "The reason I'm back (more)...
- 10/4/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders legend John Altman is to make a dramatic return to Walford at Christmas as the notorious Nick Cotton. The 56-year-old actor was last seen in the BBC soap in 2001 when his screen mother Dot Cotton (June Brown) disowned him following the death of her grandson Ashley (Frankie Fitzgerald). It later transpired that Nick was responsible for his son's death by cutting the brake cables on Mark Fowler's (Todd Carty) motorbike. Despite intending to kill Mark, it was Ashley who rode the bike to his death. Since leaving Albert Square, Nick has spent time in prison for various drug-related offences. In 2006, Dot made the shocking discovery that her son was ill in hospital with cancer. Following her off-screen visit to him in hospital, he went on to make a full recovery. Speaking of his return, Altman said: "After an absence of seven years, I am thrilled (more)...
- 10/1/2008
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
Veteran EastEnders star June Brown has revealed that she wants her on-screen son Nick to make a return to the soap.
Bad boy Nick, played by John Altman, left Albert Square in 2001 after being involved in an accident which resulted in the death of his son Ashley. In 2006, it was revealed that the character was battling cancer.
June, who is better known as Nick's mum Dot Branning on the soap, . . .
Bad boy Nick, played by John Altman, left Albert Square in 2001 after being involved in an accident which resulted in the death of his son Ashley. In 2006, it was revealed that the character was battling cancer.
June, who is better known as Nick's mum Dot Branning on the soap, . . .
- 5/10/2008
- by Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.