Ricky is dropped from EastEnders

Sid Owen has been dropped from EastEnders just a year after his character Ricky Butcher returned to the soap.

Show bosses said the Walford mechanic's character had "limited possibilities" - but stressed they would not be killing him off.

A statement from EastEnders executive producer Louise Berridge said: "We will be very sorry to say goodbye to Sid, who has been one of the most amiable and popular of our cast members since his return to the show in 2002."

A spokesman for the show would not give details of how Ricky would exit Albert Square for the second time, or when he would be saying his farewells.

"There is no date planned for his exit yet," he said.

Owen, 31, joined EastEnders in 1988 and initially left in 2000 before returning in 2002.

"I have enjoyed my time back on the show but now it is time to see a bit more of the world and spend time on my other projects," a statement from the actor said.

During his break from the soap he tried his hand at a pop career, scoring a top 20 hit with Good Thing Going.

He also built up businesses in property and restaurants in the UK and abroad.