Andrew Cotton is the son of Rose Cotton and Charlie Cotton. He is also the nephew of Dot Branning. He was introduced into EastEnders as a new love interest for established character, Heather Trott. He first appeared on 22 August 2011, in a special Southend-on-Sea week. He later returned and appeared in Albert Square as a regular, and is now dating Heather. Andrew and Heather's best friend, Shirley Carter, don't get on though.