EastEnders return on cards for Sid Owen

30 October 2007 - Ricky Butcher is set to follow in the footsteps of his former wife and make a comeback to Walford, it has been revealed.

The BBC has announced that Sid Owen, who played Ricky Butcher in EastEnders, has agreed to make a comeback to the soap next spring.

His return follows that of on-screen ex Bianca, portrayed by Patsy Palmer, with lots of drama and intrigue on the cards for their reunion.

EastEnders executive producer Diederick Santer said he is "thrilled" that Owen is to reprise his role as Ricky.

"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!)," said Mr Santer.

He suggested that while the former couple are now leading their own lives, with Ricky bagging a "gorgeous WAG fiancee" and Bianca "at rock bottom", viewers will be waiting to see if their old spark will be reignited.

Owen is also intrigued by what might lie ahead for the former couple. Admitting he was "over the moon" to have been asked back to EastEnders, Owen said he was not looking forward to Bianca's "nagging" and "shouting [Ricky's] name".

The last time Ricky and Bianca were together in EastEnders was in a single episode in 2002.

Episodes featuring Palmer will be filmed in the new year, with the first ones shown from the end of March, according to the BBC.

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