Sid Owen to return to EastEnders

After taking a year off, EastEnders actor Sid Owen is to return as Ricky Butcher.

During his break from the set, Sid has spent most of his time in Australia where he owns the production company Dragon Slayer.

Speaking about his time away from the square Sid said "I was offered a few things in my year out, but I got very lazy and thought it would be too much like hard work. I thought sitting on a beach in Australia would be more up my street which, funnily enough, it was."

Having left the square in a gripping storyline the actor has already been back for a two-part special - this time he plans to stay around for a bit longer. "I've missed my co-stars and the routine of it. I would like to do a couple of years and see how it goes. I'm sure I'm going to enjoy it as they've always given me good stuff to do at EastEnders." he said.