EASTENDERS alum Sid Owen has landed his first new role in eight years as he signed up for a new film alongside actress Daisy May Cooper
and Ex On The Beach star Jess Impiazzi.
Apart from appearances in EastEnders, Sid’s last acting credit was in the 2016 short film Angels and Cowboys, though he did return to the
small screen for the reality prison series Banged Up.
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52-year-old actor Sid is best known for playing Ricky Butcher on the BBC soap.
But he will now take on a completely different role in the upcoming movie A Day With An Eating Disorder.
The star-studded feature – which is helmed by writer and filmmaker Lynn Crilly – is a powerful story set to “provide a voice” to those struggling with eating disorders.
Sid immediately knew he wanted to be involved with the project.
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He explained: “Mental health and eating disorders affect lots and lots of people. I know someone who has gone through an eating disorder and it’s really tough.
So it’s great to be able to take part in a project which looks to break down stigma and help people.”
Sid is among a number of celebs who have agreed to appear in the new film for free.
Also taking part is actress and former TOWIE star Jess Impiazzi Missing actor Paul Cooper who will star alongside his daughter Daisy-May Cooper, as well as comedy legend Bobby Davro and former Hollyoaks star Mikayla Dodd.
A Day With An Eating Disorder is being produced by filmmaker and author Lynn, who also counsellor specialising in supporting those living with conditions, including anorexia and bulimia.
Her daughter Samanta will star in the film, which comes 20 years after Sam was diagnosed with an eating disorder and OCD.
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Lynn, author of Hope With Eating Disorders, says the film is needed to provide a voice to those suffering and their carers.
It’s unclear what role Sid will play at this time, but viewers can expect it to be a world away from the loveable Ricky Butcher.
Sid was a regular on EastEnders from 1988 to 2012, leaving after his character split with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer). However, he briefly returned in 2022 and 2023, before leaving again, this time heading off to Germany after gaining custody of his niece Scarlett.
Since leaving the soap, Sid has gone on to welcome a child of his own. He became a dad to daughter Skye at age 49 and is loving life as a first-time parent.
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“It’s great. Tiring, but I’m loving every minute of it,” he said of parenting.
Despite his busy schedule, Sid hasn’t completely ruled out a return to Walford.
“Never say never,” he admitted. “It would be my fifth time, but there’s no plans right now. I stay in touch with everyone there so you never know what might happen in the future.”
Meanwhile, Sid’s co-star, 35-year-old Jess, comes to the project after starring on TOWIE and a string of film and TV acting roles, including the 2022 Keep Calm and Carry on TV miniseries.
Jess signed on to the project after connecting with Lynn as a result of her own eating disorder.
She said: “Lynn has also helped me and people I know in the past and to be a part of something close to their hearts is so important to me.”
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The actress who trained in dance, which is often wrapped up in body image issues, says she fully understands the psychology behind eating disorders.
She said: “I understand the mindset of eating disorders, especially with my roots in dance, and it can be really hard to overcome without the right help and people around you. So it’s important to highlight and help others.”
