Eastenders actor John Altman has said that his on screen mum June Brown is like a “second mother” to him.

It was down to June that John returned to the soap this year, as she lobbied writers and producers for his comeback.

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Altman explained: “I call [June] my second ma because that’s exactly what she is. My real mum doesn’t mind. She knows I love her to bits and though they’ve only met once, they got on really well.

“June was a great person to turn to when things were getting bad. I can tell her anything in confidence. I respect her opinion as an actress, too. And she cares about me. We have a good laugh together. The darker the plotlines get on screen, the more of a giggle we have on set.”