Owen, who played Ricky Butcher, announced that he is taking a break last year.
© Yui Mok/PA Archive/Press Association Images
© BBC Pictures
The 40-year-old has now confirmed that he has "retired" from acting, also vowing never to live in the UK again.
Owen told the Sunday Mirror: "I've retired. I'm now living permanently in France, where I have been on-and-off for the last ten years, and I'm running my restaurant.
"I haven't quite made my millions but I'm happy doing that and I'll never be back."
© BBC
© Rex Features / News Group/Rex Features
He added: "I'm done with the UK and I hope that you will never see me on your TV screens again because I'm done and I've retired. I much prefer the lifestyle I have now."
His character Ricky, famous for his long-term romance with Bianca (Patsy Palmer), was last seen on Albert Square in June having originally left in January.
> EastEnders Sid Owen splits from fiancée Polly Parsons
