EastEnders Rickys return theories – Sam Mitchell love triangle to Janines exit

EastEnders fans flocked to social media recently, after BBC bosses announced that Sid Owen would return to the soap as Ricky Butcher.

Ricky was last seen on Albert Square more than a decade ago – but what is the reason behind his sudden return?

Viewers have taken to social media and fan forums to speculate about Ricky's return and what this could mean for other characters, including his sister Janine and ex-wife Sam Mitchell.

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As fans wonder what the reason is behind Ricky's return, Daily Star takes a look at some theories behind his upcoming storyline.

Concerns for Janine

Fans 'worked out' that Ricky might be returning to the square earlier this year, after his sister Janine Butcher called him to borrow money.

She could be seen picking up a phone in the Queen Vic Pub, saying: "Ricky, it's your favourite sister! Can you call me back? I need to borrow some money…"

Following the phone call between the Butcher siblings, viewers flocked to Twitter to predict Ricky's return with one person saying: "OMG Praying for a Ricky return!".

A second fan added: "Janine calling Ricky please let him come back #EastEnders."

Since Ricky's return has been confirmed, fans have speculated that his sudden arrival on the square has something to do with Janine and her welfare – especially following her cover-up of the near-fatal car crash involving Linda Carter.

One said: "Janine needs to be kept on a straight and narrow path. Hopefully we'll get some softer Janine scenes with Ricky's return."

"Looking forward to his return even if it is only for a while. It'll be good to see him again, he was a great character. Excited for what this means for Janine also," added another.

Sam, Ricky and Jack love triangle

Another EastEnders favourite to make a come back on the square is Sam Mitchell, who many fans will remember was Ricky's ex-wife.

Viewers have since predicted that Ricky's return might spark romance between the former lovers once again – and that it will cause some serious drama in a Sam, Jack and Ricky love triangle.

"Seriously the Sam, Jack, Ricky and Ricky dynamic is going to be lit," said one fan.

A second commented: "There could be a chance that Sam could get drawn back to Ricky again, especially with her trust in Zack wavering. Sam's gonna drop Zack like a sack of potatoes when Ricky returns."

"If you get married to Sam Mitchell again, then she can become a Butcher again and it will be just like old times," added a third, while a fourth agreed: "He will get with Sam won't he?"

Many viewers have predicted that Ricky's return is no coincidence following Sam's arrival on the square – especially since EastEnders bosses confirmed that he will have a huge storyline involving her and Janine.

But will Sam and Janine come to blows following his return? Fans seem to think so.

"It's just an excuse to get Sam and Janine clawing at each other," said one fan, while a second added: "Big storyline with Sam and Janine!"

A third commented: "Waiting for some catfight scenes between Janine and Sam following Ricky's return."

Ricky takes over the Queen Vic

Ricky's sister Janine is currently in a relationship with Queen Vic owner Mick Carter.

However, after actor Danny Dyer announced that he was leaving the soap, fans have begun to speculate who will take over the pub.

Some fans think the new owner may be Janine, with one saying: "The old Janine would have taken the Vic from the Carters from right under their noses."

However following Ricky's return, one theory published recently in The Daily Express suggests that Ricky's return will coincide with Danny Dyer's departure as Mick Carter – and that Ricky could take over The Queen Vic.

If Janine does have her eyes on The Queen Vic, Ricky's return could be a sign that she and her brother are plotting to take over the famous landmark.

But will ex Sam Mitchell get in the way and try to steal it from them in memory of late mother Peggy?

It seems more than likely that the Queen Vic Pub, The Carters and The Butchers will play a huge role in upcoming stories – but will Ricky and Janine join forces?

"With the Carters dying out by the end of 2022 and with Alfie's return next month bring back the Slater's on top form, we need the Butcher family brought back in force on the square as Janine's a lone ranger currently," said one fan.

Another added: "Not sure what they'll do with him without Bianca or Tiffany there. I guess they can give him a Billy Mitchell type role where he is a permanent supporting character to the likes of Janine or Sam."

Janine leaves the square

Janine has been feeling the pressure recently, after Linda confronted her over a phone call at the Queen Vic Pub on the same day as their car crash.

Linda is currently being blamed for the crash, but viewers know that it was actually Janine who was driving.

If the truth is not exposed, some fans think that she will leave with the square with Ricky, with one fan saying: "I think this is definitely the end of the line for Janine with the Carter's fading out. We know that Ricky is returning: I think he'll come back and have some unfinished business with Sam to sort, and then head back off abroad and take Janine with him."

However, others think that Ricky's return might coincide with the truth being exposed – and that he will be there to stand by his sister as she is sent off to prison.

"I want to see Janine go to prison and then have them do a six episode spin about her serving her sentence under Chrissie, and they team up to take down Sam, Sharon and Kat! Ending with Janine being released and building up a big return for Chrissie!" said another fan.

Whatever the future holds, it does seem likely that Ricky's return may seal the exit of Janine from the square – for now.

Bianca returns

It is no surprise that as soon as Ricky's return was announced, fans were begging for the return of another EastEnders icon.

Who could forget Bianca Jackson's famous "RICCKKKYYYY" catch-phrase?

Fans couldn't, as many began posting pictures of her with the caption underneath on social media, as soon as Ricky's return was confirmed.

Others chimed in begging for Bianca to come back, with one saying: "All we need now is someone else coming back shouting 'RICCCKKKKKYYYY' and it's the 90s all over again."

"Are they bringing back Bianca too? That will be a story and a half," said a second, while a third added: "Since we're bringing back Ricky, it's time to bring out Bianca."

Some viewers also hoped that Ricky's return will open the door for other classic EastEnders characters to return, with another saying: "Literally praying for Chrissie Watts and Little Mo Slater to return next."

"If they can bring back Ricky, they can bring back Sean Slater," commented one fan.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm

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