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.”
The Mirror has approached Sid Owen's representatives for further comment.
The BBC refused to comment on this story.
Sid had played a major role on EastEnders from 1988 until 2012.
In that time, he had taken breaks from the show having quit in 2000, returned in 2002 then left again two years later before returning for a third and final time in 2008.
It seems he has stayed true to his word after saying he would "never be back" on the soap.
In 2012, the actor said he had quit acting for good because he was living in France.
He told The Sunday Mirror at the time: "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."
Patsy Palmer who played his on-screen wife Bianca has completely changed her life and now lives in Los Angeles.
The redhead actress has transformed herself as a lifestyle guru.
