Sid Owen is rejoining EastEnders to bring back the popular character Ricky Butcher.

Owen’s return to Albert Square follows news that Patsy Palmer has rejoined the BBC One soap as Ricky's ex-girlfriend, Bianca.

The pair’s on-off romance captivated millions of viewers in the Nineties, and Bianca’s habit of yelling Ricky’s name across the square became famous.

When they return, Bianca will be down on her luck, while Ricky will be happy and engaged.

Diederick Santer, executive producer of the soap, said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Sid Owen back to EastEnders. 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 ("Rickaaaaaay!").

"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?"

Owen, who left the soap in 2004, said of his return: "I'm over-the-moon they have asked me to come back.

"I'm really looking forward to working with Patsy again, and of course Barbara Windsor (Peggy) and Pam St Clement (Pat).

"It will be interesting to see any changes there are and what has been happening over the last few years to Ricky and Bianca. Although, I must admit I'm not looking forward to her nagging me by shouting his name."

Owen, 35, joined the soap in 1988 and, with a brief break, stayed for 12 years.

He recently came third in the reality show I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!

Palmer left the show in 1999 after a 14-year stint.

They join Leslie Grantham (Dirty Den), Letitia Dean (Sharon) and Ross Kemp (Grant Mitchell) as EastEnders actors who have made comebacks.

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