 Nick is later released from prison and reunites with Ashley and Zoe (now played by Tara Ellis) in the special spin-off episode titled "Return of Nick Cotton".Ashley leaves to go with Nick despite Zoe's reluctance so he and Nick get into a stolen car and decide to travel before returning to Walford.When they return to Walford and settle in with Dot, Ashley is under the influence of his villainous father Nick by taking drugs and gets involved in robberies with Nick.