EastEnders viewers were left shocked on Thursday evening as two beloved characters made a sudden and muted departure from Albert Square. Ricky Butcher, played by Sid Owen, and his niece Scarlett Butcher, portrayed by Tabitha Byron, have left Walford for good, bidding farewell to their remaining family in low-key scenes.
Ricky decided to take Scarlett to Germany for a fresh start, following the imprisonment of her mother, Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). Janine is currently awaiting trial for a litany of crimes committed during her most recent stint on the soap. Ricky had proposed to girlfriend Sam Mitchell, hoping she would join them, but Sam chose to stay behind to support her son Ricky Jr amid his paternity drama with 12-year-old Lily Slater.
In an emotional goodbye, Sam told Ricky, “Sorry for hurting you,” to which he replied, “That’s alright, you’re putting your family first. I can’t blame you for that.” Scarlett thanked Sonia for letting her stay, saying, “I know my mum was a bit difficult but I always felt safe in this house.” The pair then drove away from the Square, leaving fans in shock.
Taking to Twitter, one viewer wrote: “I love how close Sonia and Ricky still are, they grew up with each other like brother and sister it’s been sweet having Ricky Back.” Another commented on Ricky’s joke about the trumpet, while a third said: “Goodbye Scarlett don't be a stranger. I hope she comes back to the Square in a few years.”
