Altman has signed up to reprise his role as bad boy Nick, who was revealed to still be alive, reported Independent.
Nick's long-suffering mother Dot (June Brown) was told that he had passed away in March.
"After a five-year break, I'm very pleased and much looking forward to returning to EastEnders. With the promise of some hard-hitting and gritty storylines, I'm sure the residents of Albert Square will be none too pleased to see Nick Cotton back on the streets of Walford," Altman said.
"I'm also looking forward to working alongside Declan Bennett and Pauline McLynn. And of course being reunited and working once again with my 'dear old Ma', the wonderful June Brown."