Sid Owen's 'explosive EastEnders' return is scrapped over pay row with TV bosses'

Sid Owen's reported return to EastEnders has apparently been axed over a row about pay.

It's understood the actor had hopes on a certain figure but it was completely out of the ballpark for what the BBC were prepared to pay him.

Hard core fans will be disappointed old favourite Ricky Butcher will not be returning to Albert Square.

It comes as his on-screen sister Janine, played by Charlie Brooks, has been written back into the soap after all these years.

However, it seems Sid's return won't be on the card following the reported argument over money.

A source told The Sun : “Sid was in advanced talks to return to EastEnders earlier this year. Bosses thought it was an ideal time for him to go back to Walford as his on-screen sister Janine has been written back in.

“Obviously Sid jumped at the chance but when they started talking about cash things hit a rut. Sid’s expectations for pay were well out of sync with what the BBC were willing to give him.

“His character is an Albert Square stalwart and having Ricky back in Walford with Janine would be a dream come true for scriptwriters. But all talks of a comeback have been pulled and Sid is back to square one.”