WALFORD’S WORST MUM IS BACK!

The return of her selfish mother Sandy spells trouble galore for Dotty, says Eastenders’ Martha Cope

Dotty’s mother arrives in Eastenders this week, bringing with her all the drama you’d expect from Nasty Nick Cotton’s ex. Sandy, who was last seen in Walford 11 years ago, drunkenly hurls abuse at her poor daughter at the relaunch of Ruby’s nightclub, before being accused of stealing Whitney’s engagement ring.

But this is nothing compared to the mayhem she’s about to cause. ‘Sandy’s had bad luck and issues with alcohol and trust,’ explains Martha Cope, who plays her. ‘She’s a nightmare for anyone who has anything to do with her. All the hardships she’s been through are smothering her.

‘Things have been getting worse for her in recent years, which is why she’s in Walford. She’s got a motive for being there and is only ever interested in what she can get for herself, so she’s going to cause issues for Dotty. She really is the worst mum!’

Martha blames Sandy’s behaviour on her childhood and her fling with Nick, which led to Dotty being born. ‘Sandy didn’t have a great upbringing, and what happened with Nick wasn’t a great love affair, it just happened one evening,’ she says. ‘She carries guilt for her dreadful mothering skills, but that’s hidden by years of abuse and selfishness. She does love Dotty, but she isn’t her priority, and their relationship is strained.’

As viewers will see this week, that’s quite the understatement. ‘My first day on set was very exciting, shouting and causing a scene at Ruby’s!’ says Martha, 51 (Sandy was previously played by another actress). ‘It was good to set the bar for what Sandy is like – she’s no shrinking violet!’

Martha, who’s also appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale, is delighted to have landed a big role in

another soap. ‘When I found out my character was Nasty Nick’s ex and Dotty’s mum it was amazing,’ she says. ‘The Cottons are soap royalty!’

And her early days on set have been helped by having a personal connection with Milly Zero, who plays Dotty, as she went to school with Martha’s daughter, Nell. ‘When I got the part I called Milly and said, “It’s Nell’s mum – I’m about to be your mum soon!” She was so excited, and I love working with her.’

It was recently revealed that Brian

Conley’s character Rocky is in fact Dotty’s uncle, Thomas Cotton, and he and his niece are scheming to get their hands on Dotty’s own inheritance money, which Sonia controls.

Martha expects future storylines to explore the family ties. ‘Wherever Thomas goes there’s a scam, so Sandy’s likely to realise something’s afoot and sniff them out. It’s great working with Brian. He has such hilarious stories, it’s a shame we have to actually do work sometimes!’