'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 always knew she would get one day - that Nick is dead. But when it comes she's still devastated. Nick has put her through so much over the years. He really is the soap's original villain."
Charlie will then arrive in Albert Square, much to the shock of his grandmother Dot, who has no idea he exists.
The introduction of Nick's son will leave Dot and other Walford residents wondering whether the newcomer is trustworthy or as villainous as his father.
Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins is quoted by RadioTimes.com as saying: "With Dot feeling increasingly alone in the world, Charlie's surprise appearance means that she finally has some blood whom she can trust. But should she?"

Molly Smitten-Downes is being tipped to represent Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The little-known singer is heavily rumoured to be announced as this year's entrant in the annual singing competition after being discovered through BBC Introducing, an initiative to discover unsigned music talent.
The 26-year-old songstress was named on social media last night (02.03.14) by people who attended a music video shoot in London. Her Eurovision song is reportedly named 'Children of the Universe'.
Eurovision producers opted to find a talented unsigned act to represent Britain this year through the BBC Introducing programme. Molly came to the attention of talent scouts when she submitted her song 'Strange Alien' to the BBC last year.
The decision comes after well-known artists such as Bonnie Tyler - who came in 19th place last year - and Engelbert Humperdinck failed to win votes in previous years.
BBC's Eurovision producer Guy Freeman recently revealed this year's song will be tailored for the contest.
He said: "We took the view that we needed a bespoke, contemporary song, written specifically to suit the conditions of the competition - rather than trying to get lucky with a pre-existing track from an artist."
He added of the finished song: "The end result is that we now have a powerful and impressive song that we hope will do us proud in Copenhagen."
This year's Eurovision entrant and song will be unveiled through the BBC Red Button service tonight (03.03.14) at 7.30pm.
The 2014 Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted by Denmark on May 10.

The BBC has ordered a third series of 'Wizards vs Aliens'.
The CBBC sci-fi show - which was created by former 'Doctor Who' executive producer Russell T. Davies - has been commissioned for a brand new series to begin airing later this year.
The action-packed show follows young wizard Tom Clarke (Scott Haran) and his pal Benny Sherwood (Percelle Ascott) as they battle the villainous Nekross, who threaten to destroy the universe and all of wizardkind in their pursuit of magic.
Cheryl Taylor, BBC's controller of CBBC, said: "CBBC is the home of thrilling and inspiring drama for children and 'Wizards vs Aliens' is a perfect example of that. The series is vivid and brave and our audience loves the portrayal of loyal friendship alongside exciting alien battles and stunning wizardry.
"Children want to talk about Tom, Benny and the Nekross and we know they'll be delighted to hear a third series is being conjured up by the talented team in Wales."
The latest series will see Tom and Benny encounter a new alien race and lots of exciting new magical creatures.
Production on the third series of 'Wizards vs Aliens' will begin next month, and the series will air across 2014 and 2015.

Bastille's second album will have more of a hip-hop sound.
The band shot to fame with their hit single 'Pompeii' last year and continued to impress with their debut album 'Bad Blood', but frontman Dan Smith claims the follow up to their first album will sound very different due to collaborations with hip-hop artists such as Angel Haze - who they've teamed up with on new track 'Weapons'.
He said: "We are touring with Angel Haze and we have recorded some stuff together too. Maybe it's not the most obvious fit but she's an intelligent rapper with insightful lyrics."
The 26-year-old singer-songwriter claims the change in sound will reflect the kind of music he and his bandmates - Kyle Simmons, Will Farquarson and Chris "Woody" Wood - like to listen to and who they are influenced by.
He told the Daily Star newspaper: "The second album will be much clearer as to what our influences are. If more drastically all over the place, in a good way.
"I still sneak off and sing into my phone but we are writing more collaboratively at sound checks too this time."
Dan also admitted that despite winning the Best British Breakthrough Act award at the BRITs last month, they still haven't come to terms with their success, and he says they're nervous about their homecoming show at London's Alexandra Palace on Thursday (06.03.14).
He added: "We never imagined we'd get to play Ally Pally, as someone who has grown up in London and seen bands like Sigur Ros there - it's nuts."

The Klaxons are releasing their new album 'Love Frequency' in June.
The new rave indie rockers have confirmed the details of their upcoming third studio album, which they will be supporting with a low-key four-date UK tour.
The band have teamed up with James Murphy, Gorgon City, Erol Alkan and The Chemical Brothers' Tom Rowlands on the record, which is the follow-up to 2010's 'Surfing The Void', and is being released on June 2 through Akashic Records.
The 'Golden Skans' hitmakers burst onto the scene in 2007 with their debut album 'Myths of the Near Future'.
The Klaxons have been absent from the music scene in recent times, with co-vocalist and keyboardist James thrust into the spotlight for tying the knot with Hollywood beauty Keira Knightley.
The news follows the preview of new single 'There Is No Other Time' last month.
Tickets for the mini tour across Birmingham, Glasgow, London and Manchester go on sale at 10am this Friday (07.03.14).
Lead vocalist Jamie Reynolds recently told NME: "This record is very much about the present, an emotionally honest album about technological and personal progression."

The Klaxons tour dates are as follows:
March 31 - Hare & Hounds Birmingham
April 1 - Kings Tut, Glasgow
April 2 - Oslo, London
April 3 - Ruby Lounge, Manchester

Arnold Schwarzenegger is "really looking forward" to working on the 'Terminator: Genesis'.
The 66-year-old star was forced to step down from participating in the franchise while he was the Governor of California between 2003 - 2011, but is delighted to reprise the role he first played in 1984's 'The Terminator' in the latest film.
He explained: "I'm really looking forward to that because as you know, the last time when they did 'The Terminator' it was when I was governor and so I couldn't be in that movie, but now I'm back again and they are very excited about having me in the film.
"The script is fantastic, so I'm really looking forward to this film."
Schwarzenegger is preparing to begin filming in a number of locations across the US from April.
Talking at the Arnold Sports Festival​ in Columbus, website TheArnoldFans.com report he said: "We start filming in the middle or in the end of April and it will be a four or four-and-a-half month long shoot. We will be filming it in New Orleans, with some of it in San Francisco and maybe a little of it in LA, but most of it will be done in New Orleans."
'Terminator: Genesis' is being directed by 'Thor: The Dark World' filmmaker Alan Taylor and is set for release on July 2015.

Matthew McConaughey used cornmeal on his face to recreate a rash common in AIDS suffers for 'Dallas Buyers Club'.
The Oscar-winning actor encouraged his make-up artist, Robin Mathews, to smother his face with the porridge-like mixture in order to replicate the skin condition while he was playing AIDS victim Ron Woodroof and she is "glad" it worked out.
Speaking backstage at the Academy Awards on Sunday (02.03.14) Mathews said: "[I said] I can't put cornmeal and grits on your face, dude,' and Matthew [McConaughey] said, 'you have to do this'. I'm really glad it worked out. I thought it might be the end of my career."
Jared Leto - who picked up Best Supporting Male for his role as a HIV positive transvestite Rayon in the drama - praised Mathews and hairstylist, Adruitha Lee, on their win for Best Make-up and Hairstyling at the ceremony despite the stringent budget they had for costumes.
He said: "They literally had a budget of $250 and they worked the hardest. They are the first to set. They show up at the crack-ass of dawn and they leave at the crack-ass of dawn."
Meanwhile, Mathews claims Leto and McConaughey's dedication to portraying the characters perfectly encouraged them to provide the best make-up they could.
She added: "Everybody knows they [the lead actors] lost almost 50 pounds, [it was a] labor of love. [We thought] They are bringing their A game - we have to do it for them."

Nick Grimshaw was rushed to hospital this morning (03.02.14) after swallowing glass.
The BBC Radio 1 presenter was forced to abandon his Breakfast show programme 40 minutes early when he was taken to a London hospital for an X-ray after accidentally swallowing shards of glass which were inside his mug.
Nick - who has now been given the all-clear wrote on Twitter: "Went to hospy, had X-rays, coughed it up, all fine now (sic)."
The 29-year-old DJ - who took over the Breakfast Show helm after Chris Moyles made the move to Radio 2 - also joked that his accident could land him a new job.
He added: "I can eat glass in a circus now if all else fails."
The presenter - who is often referred to as 'Grimmy' - was accompanied by a member of staff from the station, and the incident is now being investigated, the BBC have said.
In his absence, Nick was helped out by Radio 1 veteran Fearne Cotton, whose time-slot begins after the breakfast show, as she took to the mic early and reassured listeners that he'd be ok.
She said: "He's going to be absolutely fine. He's just gone to hospital to have a little check."
This morning was Nick's first day back in the studio since returning from a trip to Kenya for Sport Relief, and the DJ is set to take part in a 12-hour cycle ride inside a transparent box outside the BBC's broadcasting house in London, as part of the BBC'S Radio Around the World for Sport Relief later this month.

Lupita Nyong'o hopes she never forgets this year's Oscars.
The 31-year-old actress was thrilled to pick up the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in '12 Years a Slave' and admitted she was having an incredible evening.
Asked after her victory last night (02.03.14) what she will most remember about the ceremony, she said: "I don't know yet. I'm still living it. I hope I remember it all."
Earlier in the evening, Lupita joined a number of stars including Jared Leto, Jennifer Lawrence, Channing Tatum, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Bradley Cooper, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to pose for a 'selfie' with host Ellen DeGeneres and her brother Peter was thrilled to also squeeze into the picture.
She told E! News: "I think that's his win for sure. He got into the most famous selfie in the world. I'm glad I could have facilitated that."
Lupita has won praise for her blue Prada gown, which she helped design after taking inspiration from champagne bubbles.
She explained: "It was designed for me. I had a hand in it, and my stylist, and we were inspired by champagne bubbles because this is cause for celebration, don't you think?"

Jennifer Lawrence fears her falls at the Oscars could be seen as a "gimmick".
The 'American Hustle' actress - who tripped on the steps as she accepted the Best Actress prize at last year's Academy Awards - fell as she walked the carpet at last night's (02.03.14) Oscars and admitted she is worried some people will think she is being clumsy on purpose.
She told 'Access Hollywood' as she entered the Dolby Theatre: "I'm afraid that like - I got so scared and I hope nobody took a picture, because I'm afraid it's going start looking like a gimmick."
Asked if she thought it could be a good omen for her picking up the Best Supporting Actress prize - which eventually went to Lupita Nyong'o - she added: "Well, I don't' think that means anything. I fall all the time."
The 23-year-old beauty - who was helped to her feet by her boyfriend and 'X Men: First Class' co-star Nicholas Hoult - stumbled after falling on a cone.
She explained: "I don't know how it happened so fast. I wasn't even at the press yet.
"But there was a cone outside my car and yeah, I ran over the cone,"
Jennifer had also admitted she had tested walking in her gown and high-heeled shoes ahead of the ceremony.
She said: "This year I actually did a stair test out on the back staircase and got it a little dusty, but it worked.
"But I did trip over a cone, so I guess...I'm not safe."

Gemma Arterton will star in new musical 'Made in Dagenham'.
The Hollywood actress has been cast in the lead role of Rita O'Grady in a brand new stage adaptation of the hit film, coming to the Adelphi Theatre in London's West End on Wednesday 5 November, with previews from Thursday 9 October.
The story, set in Essex, dramatises the Ford sewing machinists strike of 1968 that aimed for equal pay for women.
It focuses on working mother Rita and her fight for justice when Ford's Dagenham car plant announces all female employees will have their pay grade dropped to 'unskilled'.
Gemma enthused: "I'm beyond thrilled to be playing Rita O'Grady in 'Made in Dagenham'. It's an important story that I'm passionate about telling, and we intend to tell it with wit, warmth and, of course, a lot of singing and dancing in this production! Roll on October!"
The Almeida Theatre's artistic director Rupert Goold is directing, with music from Grammy award-winning composer David Arnold and lyrics from Olivier Award winner Richard Thomas.
Gemma will take to the stage opposite Adrian der Gregorian as her husband Eddie.
Rupert said: "From my first watch of 'Made in Dagenham' I knew it was a piece I wanted to be involved in bringing to the stage. It's such an engaging, relatable and vital story and I'm convinced as a musical we can bring even more to it when we mount our production at the Adelphi.
"We've got some big ideas, some brilliant original music and I can't wait to get going with our cast. It's particularly exciting too, that the cast will be led by the luminously talented Gemma Arterton and the unspeakably charismatic Adrian Der Gregorian, who I'm delighted are playing the leads at the centre of this big-hitting, big-hearted musical."

Julia Bradbury is quitting BBC's 'Countryfile' to join ITV.
The 43-year-old TV presenter is leaving the nature programme after five years to star in a new five-part series for ITV, which she has also helped develop.
Julia told Britain's HELLO! magazine: "It's been fantastic, an amazing show to be part of, so it was an immensely difficult decision. There were feelings of sadness but also some really happy memories."
The brunette star claims ITV's offer to front a new show was "too good to turn down".
The new series will focus on the great outdoors and see Julia explore the breadth of Britain's luxurious landscapes.
She added: "It was something I couldn't afford to turn down at this stage in my life and career.
"I've been heavily involved in the development of this one, so it's very close to my heart."
The BBC confirmed Julia's departure, but have left the door open for the presenter to work with the corporation on other projects in future.
A spokesperson told The Guardian newspaper: "After five years, Julia has decided to leave Countryfile."
Presenters Matt Baker, John Craven and Ellie Harrison will be joined by a new co-host who will be announced in "due course".
The news follows 'BBC Breakfast' host Susanna Reid quitting her role with the BBC to front ITV's new breakfast show 'Good Morning Britain' later this year.