EASTENDERS legend Sid Owen was supposed to return to Albert Square in shock – until a dispute over cash derailed the talks.
The actor, who has played the popular Ricky Butcher again and again since 1988, is said to have asked for a hefty fee, but it was turned down.
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EastEnders legend Sid Owen should return to Albert Square in shock – until a cash dispute derailed the talks, pictured with new girlfriend Victoria MillsPhoto credit: w8media
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Sid has played Ricky Butcher again and again since 1988 and is said to have asked for a hefty fee but was turned down – pictured with Patsy Palmer as Bianca JacksonCredit: Rex Functions
The bosses wanted him back after ensuring the return of his sister Janine, played by Charlie Brooks.
A source said: “Sid was in advanced talks to return to EastEnders earlier this year.
“Bosses thought it was an ideal time for him to return to Walford as his sister Janine was re-enrolled on the screen.
“Obviously Sid took the chance, but when they started talking about cash things stalled. Sid’s salary expectations did not match what the BBC was willing to give him.
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The character’s tumultuous relationship with Bianca Jackson was a huge hit with viewersPhoto credit: BBC
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The bosses wanted Sid back after securing the return of his sister Janine, played by Charlie BrooksPhoto credit: PA
“His character is a loyal Albert Square and having Ricky with Janine in Walford would be a dream come true for a screenwriter.
“But all comeback talks have been withdrawn and Sid is back in first place.”
Sid, 49, appeared for the first time as a schoolboy Ricky in 1988 and has had several stations since then, with his turbulent relationship with Bianca Jackson a huge hit with viewers.
He was last seen in EastEnders in 2012 – when Ricky left Albert Square to open a restaurant in France.
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London-born Sid was seen smiling over the weekend despite losing several losing teeth last yearPhoto credit: w8media
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Last year Sid told The Sun how a golf ball knocked out six teeth and smashed his jaw during a round in BangkokCredit: The sun
As with all of his departures over the years, the bosses left the door open for his possible return.
Sid made no secret of his desire to return to Walford and said that if he had the chance and the right story, he would return in 2016.
The Sun revealed in April how Charlie, 39, made her comeback as part of an explosive act.
However, London-born Sid was seen smiling over the weekend despite losing several teeth last year.
One day in Surrey with his new girlfriend Victoria Mills, he showed off his new grinders.
Last February, Sid told The Sun how a golf ball knocked out six teeth and smashed his jaw during a round in Bangkok.
He recalled, “One minute I’ll be playing a round and the next I’ll be totally excruciating and on my way to the hospital.
“I was almost lucky because they told me that if it hit me two inches higher, I would probably be dead.”
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Sid first appeared as a schoolboy Ricky in 1988Photo credit: BBC
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He has appeared on reality shows – including Strictly and The Jump.
He also ventured into pop, reaching number 14 with Good Thing Going in 2000.
Sid and the BBC were asked to comment.
Montage of Bianca Jackson, played by Patsy Palmer, who says ‘Ricky’ to Ricky Butcher, played by Sid Owen on EastEnders
