EastEnders bosses confirm actor Sid Owen will reprise his role as Ricky Butcher in dramatic scenes later this year – 10 years after his exit
EastEnders bosses have confirmed that iconic character Ricky Butcher will return to the soap after ten years away from Walford.
Actor Sid Owen, 50, who has played the character on and off since 1983, is set to return to dramatic scenes later this year for a memorable stint.
Speaking of his comeback, the actor said: “I’m thrilled to be back at EastEnders. I can’t wait to see what Ricky Butcher has been up to over the past few years and how he’ll react to seeing some familiar faces, including old flames. I am thrilled to see the drama unfold.
Back for more: EastEnders bosses have confirmed actor Sid Owen will reprise his role as Ricky Butcher in dramatic scenes later this year – 10 years after his exit
It comes just months after Ricky’s ex Sam Mitchell (Kim Metcalf) made his own return to the show, alongside her son (Frankie Day) who she named after him.
Ricky will also reunite with his scheming sister Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) as executive producer Chris Clenshaw teasing upcoming scenes.
He said: ‘Ricky is back later this year. Sam has been on screen for a while now, and she’s been causing a lot of trouble and kind of has an agenda.
Surprise! It comes just months after Ricky’s ex Sam Mitchell (pictured previously played by Danniella Westbrook in 2009) made his own return to the show, alongside his son.
“She’s a slightly different Sam, she’s ruthless…we explore that and find out a bit more why when we meet someone from her background in Spain this fall as well.
‘Ricky is home. And you know, we have Janine here. Janine is in a relationship with Mick, and we are building something very climatic between them.
‘Janine really got it all finally in Mick at the Vic. And what she and we all know is how strong the bond is between Mick and Linda. The love they have is very, very deep. We know Janine and what she is capable of. Then paranoia sets in.
Back together: Ricky will also reunite with his scheming sister Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks, pictured together in 2003)
Exes: Kim Metcalf now plays Sam and will figure prominently in Ricky’s story
“I won’t say exactly how Ricky returns yet because that plays into Janine’s story.”
It comes as EastEnders bosses have shaken up the cast with five cast members set to quit the BBC soap opera.
New boss Chris oversees the characters’ departures, with one of those written out being Ricky Champ, who plays Stuart Highway.
Stuart, who left the show earlier this week, was at the center of the story of a father’s postnatal depression, with the character struggling to bond with his baby Roland.
RIIIICKY! Ricky married Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and the couple became iconic characters on the show (pictured together in 2010)
He had struggled with his mental health following his breast cancer diagnosis and struggled to adjust to parenthood after he and his wife Rainie (Tanya Franks) tried for a long time to have a child.
Ricky filmed his final scenes as Stuart earlier this year, with the scenes airing this week.
Elsewhere, three more characters will depart this summer, with one having already filmed his final scenes.
Leaving: EastEnders bosses are set to shake up the cast with five cast members confirmed to have left the BBC soap opera, with Ricky Champ (pictured) set to leave
Dana Monroe (Barbara Smith) and Peter Beale (Dayle Hudson) would say goodbye to Walford in a dramatic storyline after sharing a kiss.
As Peter and Dana grow closer, Peter’s brother, Bobby (Clay Milner Russell), will be hurt as his hopes of reuniting with his ex will be dashed.
Meanwhile, Kelsey’s departure scenes will air in the coming weeks.
Goodbye! Strictly Rose star Ayling-Ellis is also confirmed to be stepping down as Frankie Lewis
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