Sid Owen rules out 'EastEnders' return: "I'm done with the UK"

Published Jul 22 2012, 10:20 BST  |  By Paul Millar

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.



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.

> EastEnders Sid Owen splits from fiancée Polly Parsons