ashley cotton, played by rossi higgins in 1993 and then by frankie fitzgerald in 2000 to 2001, is the son of nick cotton (john altman). the character first appears in july 1993, after coming to walford for the first time with his mother and meeting his grandmother, dot (june brown). however, in august he leaves walford with his family to move to gravesend. writing for "the people" in july 2000, sharon marshall revealed ashley would be returning to "eastenders" now played by frankie fitzgerald. fitzgerald was appearing in a variety show when he was spotted by a talent scout who suggested he send some photos to the bbc's casting department. a few months later, fitzgerald was asked to audition for the role of ashley. while on his way home from the audition, fitzgerald was told he had won the part. marshall revealed fitzgerald was hired after producers noted his resemblance to john altman, who plays his on screen father, nick. an "eastenders" spokesperson said "they could easily be father and son. they've got the same brooding dark-haired looks." marshall said fitzgerald was set to "steal the show – as well as a few young walford hearts" as ashley. she also stated the character would be a chip off the old block, spelling trouble for the residents of albret square. of his casting, fitzgerald said "i am thrilled and honoured to be playing nick cotton's son and can't wait to work with john. people keep asking me what the storylines are but i am as eager as everyone to know." fitzgerald made his debut as ashley on 27 july 2000, and appeared until june 2001.