EastEnders fans were delighted as Ricky Butcher returned to Walford for the first time in 10 years.
Ricky, played by Sid Owen, was last seen in Albert Square in 2012 before he left to start a new life in Germany.
During Thursday’s episode of the BBC soap (December 1), Ricky reunited with Janine after being called by Sonia to check on his sister.
READ MORE: EastEnders’ Dot Cotton star June Brown’s death – cause, £1million fortune and funeral
The minute he returned, fans were straight to social media to share their excitement at the character coming back after all these years.
One user penned: “Welcome home Ricky!!!,” as another added: “omg ricky butcher in the vic in 2022 this is insane.”
“It’s great seeing Ricky back again. #EastEnders,” echoed a third.
Another exclaimed: “RICKYYYYY OMFG RICKY #EASTENDERS.”
While a fifth shared: “Hello Ricky welcome back #EastEnders.”
But while many social media users couldn’t hide their delight at the character’s return, others seemed distracted as they took to their keyboards to question his change in appearance.
“Wtf has happened to Ricky’s face #EastEnders,” asked one user.
Another echoed: “Whats happened to Ricky’s eye’s??”
“Ricky looks like he did 12 rounds with Rocky #EastEnders,” added someone else.
Another penned: “Ricky looks awful. Like he has been up crying all night. Those bags belong to Harrods!!”
While a fifth questioned: “#EastEnders has Ricky been in a fight. His eyes are all puffy.
On returning to the soap, the 50-year-old said: “I’m delighted to back at EastEnders.
He added: “I can’t wait to see what Ricky Butcher has been up to these past few years and how he’s going to react to seeing some familiar faces including old flames. I’m excited to see the drama unfold.”
Elsewhere in the episode, Sonia received the news that Dot had died, leaving her and the other Walford residents devastated.
Dot’s passing comes after soap icon June Brown passed away earlier this year following her 35 year reign over Albert Square.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk