EastEnders star Sid Owen is reportedly set to return to Albert Square as fan favourite Ricky Butcher.
The 50-year-old soap icon is thought to be making a comeback later this year in explosive scenes after 10 years away from Walford.
A source has told The Sun that he’ll be being filming next month.
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They said: “Bosses have an exciting storyline planned for his return, involving lots of key players.
“Ricky is an iconic character from Albert Square’s early days, and has been hugely popular over the decades. He has lots of unfinished business.
(Image: BBC)
“The sky’s the limit for script writers. An autumn of bumper storylines is on the cards.”
Daily Star have reached out to EastEnders and Sid for a comment.
Fans of the BBC One soap last saw Ricky back in 2012 when he left for a new life in Germany.
Sid, who first joined EastEnders in 1988, became a dad for the first time this year when fiancée Victoria Shores, 42, gave birth to their adorable little girl Skye.
(Image: BBC)
Before they welcome their bundle of joy, Sid and Victoria suffered a miscarriage and appeared on Loose Women last year to discuss the lack of support.
Conversation later turned to whether or not he’d return to EastEnder and he said on the ITV daytime show: “I was meant to go back this year but with what happened, I’m almost glad.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“Things happen for a reason. If I had gone back, maybe we wouldn’t be pregnant now.
“Next year, if the door is still open, never say never. It’s a huge part of my life.”
Ricky’s sister Janine Butcher (Charlies Brooks) and ex Sam Mitchell (Kim Metcalfe) have both returned to Walford in recent months.
Rumours began swirling online about Ricky’s potential return earlier this year when Janine called her brother.
Leaving a voice message she said: “Ricky, it’s your favourite sister! Can you call me back? I need to borrow some money…”
Following the phone call exchange between the Butcher siblings, viewers rushed to Twitter to predict Ricky’s return with one person saying: “OMG Praying for a Ricky return.”
A second fan excitedly stated: “Janine calling Ricky please let him come back #EastEnders.”
“A surprise return of Ricky? And with Claire that would be delightful! #EastEnders.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
