EastEnders legends reunite as Charlie Brooks meets up with star who refused to return to show
The stars have both been quizzed about making a comeback to the soap
EASTENDERS legends Charlie Brooks and Sid Owen have delighted fans with a surprise reunion outside of Albert Square.
Charlie, best known for her role as the devious Janine Butcher, shared a heartwarming snap of Sid on her Instagram story.
The soap star, who played Charlie’s on-screen brother Ricky Butcher, could be seen cradling her puppy in his jumper.
Charlie captioned the photo: “Uncle Sid’s in charge”.
The unexpected meet-up has sparked excitement among fans of the soap, particularly as both characters have been central to some of the most memorable storylines in EastEnders history.
Neither of them have made an appearance on the BBC show in years and viewers are hoping there is a chance they might come back.
Sid Owen, who first graced Walford in 1988, has had a long history with EastEnders.
The actor left the soap and then returned to it multiple times before his last appearance in 2012.
Earlier this year, hopes for his return were dashed when negotiations reportedly broke down over financial disagreements.
In 2021 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.
“But Sid’s expectations for pay were well out of sync with what the BBC were willing to give him.”
Fans were left disappointed as Ricky Butcher’s return seemed like the perfect opportunity for a great storyline, particularly with Janine back in the Square.
However, Sid has previously indicated that he had no intentions of returning to acting.
He shared that he was much more content with his quieter lifestyle running a restaurant abroad.
In 2012 he told the Sunday Mirror: “I’ve retired. I’m now living permanently in France… I’ll never be back.”
Meanwhile, Charlie Brooks has also taken a step back from TV after her controversial third stint on EastEnders ended in dramatic fashion.
Her character Janine was last seen driving a car off a cliff in a storyline that received mixed reviews from fans.
Since then, Charlie has focused on stage work, including her role as the Childcatcher in a touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
When asked about a potential return to the soap, Charlie has remained noncommittal, saying: “It’s a bit like a home, to be honest.
“I’ve kind of been back a few times, so it’s always really lovely to see everyone.”