First look: Lord Cashman returns to EastEnders as Colin Russell to surprise Dot Cotton
LORD MICHAEL CASHMAN will return to EastEnders tonight as he reprises his role as Colin Russell, 30 years after he first set foot in Walford.
Dot Discovers the truth about Colin and Barry's relationship
Lord Cashman returns to EastEnders as Colin Russell to surprise Dot Cotton
In first look images, he can be seen making a surprise entrance at Dot Cotton's house and it his appearance is sure to be a shock.
Colin can be seen standing in the doorway on her front room with a huge smile on his face.
Sonia Fowler can also be seen next to him suggesting she may have something to do with his arrival in Albert Square.
Lord Cashman made history when he was part of the first soap kiss 27 years ago on the BBC soap.
Colin arrives at Dot Cotton's house in tonight's episode of EastEnders
Colin looks pleased to see Dot as he stands next to Sonia in first look pictures
During his time on the soap, Colin and Dot had a tumultuous relationship when she spread a rumour that he had AIDS.
And while they later formed a bond, his return is sure to stir up mixed emotions for the devout Christian.
Speaking about his return to the role, Lord Cashman previously commented: "It was a real joy, indeed a privilege, to return to my old home of Albert Square.
"To be amongst so many friends again, and to be back in the place where 30 years ago I started an amazing journey, an amazing journey which incredibly helped to change the country, and certainly its attitude to lesbian, gay and bisexual people."
Lord Cashman first plated Colin 30 years ago on the popular BBC soap
His character had the first gay kiss on the soap
The former Labour MEP added: "Arguably without EastEnders I would never have gone into politics; I would not have been one of the founders of Stonewall and its founding chair, and I would never have ended up where I am now.
"As Shakespeare would have said by returning to where it all started 'the wheel has turned full circle'.
"And the exquisite joy of having my scenes with the incredible 'Dame' June Brown was a bonus beyond anything else."
EastEnders continues tonight on BBC One at 7.30pm.