Sid Owen returns to Eastenders

Sid Owen is heading back to Walford as Ricky Butcher in BBC One's EastEnders following the return of Patsy Palmer as Bianca, Ricky's former wife. Ricky has done well for himself and has a gorgeous WAG fiancee in tow. With Bianca at rock bottom, could Ricky be the answer to her problems?

Diederick Santer, Executive Producer of EastEnders, said: "First Patsy comes home, now Sid! I'm thrilled to welcome Sid Owen back to EastEnders. "Ricky and Bianca were a hugely popular and well-loved partnership on the show, spawning one of the best (and perhaps most irritating) of TV catchphrases ("Rickeeey!"). They are both now living their own lives, and there's been a good deal of water under the bridge. But could the old spark reignite?"

Sid Owen said of his return: "I'm over the moon they have asked me to come back. I'm really looking forward to working with Patsy again, and of course Barbara and Pam. It will be interesting to see any changes there are and what has been happening over the last few years to Ricky and Bianca. Although, I must admit I'm not looking forward to her nagging me by shouting his name."

Sid will return from Spring 2008.