Former EastEnder Sid Owen is dating a restaurant worker who he first dated 23 years ago and he has said he is “the happiest he’s ever been”.
Sid played one of EastEnders' most popular characters, loveable mechanic Ricky Butcher, and he returned to the soap twice and last hit our screens as Ricky in 2012.
His character had two marriages during his time on the show, the first marriage was to Samantha Mitchell played by Daniella Westbrook, 47, and the infamous relationship he had with Bianca Jackson played by Patsy Palmer, 49, who coined that well known phrase: “Rickaay!”
Get exclusive celebrity stories and fabulous photoshoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter. You can sign up at the top of the page.
Sid’s off-screen life hasn’t seen him tie the knot, although the 49 year old actor has been engaged twice first to dancer Carty Hubbard in 2000 and later to TV host Polly Parsons which ended in 2012 after six years together.
Sid's huge fame in the '90s meant he wasn't short of love interests. He also dated ex-EastEnders' pal Nick Berry's sister Amanda.
It appears Sid has finally found love with his current girlfriend, who he first dated 23 years ago.
He recently spoke to The Sun and opened up about his new relationship.
He said: “We first dated 23 years ago, and have been dating for the last year. It’s the happiest I’ve ever been. I’m finally settling down.”
Become an OK! VIP and see all our exclusives - for free!
Become an OK! VIP and you will unlock access to all of our big exclusives...
Be the first to meet the latest showbiz babies, see the most sought after wedding pictures of the year, or take a guided tour around your favourite star's lavish multi-million pound home - all for free!
Sid candidly opened up on his wild partying days, which he needed rehab to beat a £200-a-night cocaine habit.
He told The Sun: "It’s recreational then all of a sudden it’s like, 'Hang on, I’ve got to get through pages of scripts, and then go to work'.
"You think you can do it and get away with it. I thought I could juggle the two, but I soon realised it was a silly idea."
Sid also admitted he once drove to the studios "coked up to my eyeballs and way over the drink-drive limit".
But, with professional help, Sid managed to kick his use of the drug as he said: "It worked. Drugs are a life experience that luckily I’ve put behind me."
There were reports earlier this year that Sid was set to return to Albert Square as his alter ego Ricky until a money dispute cut the plans short.
The actor previously teased in 2016 that he had a "contract with the BBC" that could see him return.
While that has never materialised, it seems that the former market stall trader was in line to reappear in Walford, alongside the return of Charlie Brooks, who plays his onscreen sister, Janine.
But now “advanced stage” plans have stalled as the actor’s money hopes didn’t match the BBC’s offer.
To read more about Sid Owen, and for more showbiz news, sign up for OK!'s daily newsletter here.
