[Iceman]

EastEnders star Sid Owen has reportedly said that he will never return to the BBC soap.

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."

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.

So when his restaurant fails in a year or two he'll be back.