Sid Owen makes 'Enders comeback

Sid Owen is to be reunited with his former on-screen co-star for the first time in six years when he returns to EastEnders as Ricky Butcher.

The news comes within only 24 hours of the announcement that Patsy Palmer is to reprise her role as Bianca Jackson.

Speaking of his return, Owen said: "I'm over the moon they've asked me to come back. It will be interesting to see what has been happening to Ricky and Bianca over the last few years. Although, I must admit I'm not looking forward to her nagging me by shouting his name."

Executive Producer Diederick Santer commented: "First Patsy comes home, now Sid! 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 - Rickaaaaay!"

He added: "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?"

A source told DS: "We can't wait for Ricky and Bianca to walk back onto the Square again. But who knows what they'll do when they see each other again, especially as Ricky has a gorgeous WAG wife in tow..."

The pair will begin filming in January and will make their screen re-appearance in the Spring.

Ricky and Bianca made a brief return for a one-off spin-off episode based in Manchester in 2002 which saw the characters go their separate ways.