Sid Owen has reportedly crashed and written off a luxury boat worth around €130,000 just days after buying it for a new business venture on the River Thames.
The former EastEnders star — best known for playing iconic mechanic Ricky Butcher — had planned to launch VIP river tours near his London home after investing in the 33ft pleasure cruiser with a business partner.
However, according to reports, disaster struck almost immediately when the boat, named Rolling on the River, collided with an overhanging tree and began taking on water.
One witness claimed there was “an almighty banging noise” after the vessel struck something near the riverbank.
“Next thing the boat has run aground completely close to the river bank and someone was climbing out — I couldn't believe it when I realised who it was,” the witness told The Sun.
“He’s very recognisable, and I just knew him straight away as Ricky from EastEnders.”
The witness also alleged the actor appeared to have been drinking before the crash.
“It looked as though he’d had a few beers — and he didn’t stick around to deal with it. He was quickly on his way!” they claimed.
The second-hand cruiser is believed to have cost around €35,000, although similar models reportedly sell for around €130,000 when new.
Sid Owen appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012. FeatureFlash Photography, Shutterstock
Reports suggest Owen and his business partner could now face a hefty recovery bill to remove the damaged vessel from the Thames, alongside potential fines from the Environment Agency.
Owen became a household name after joining EastEnders in 1988 as Ricky Butcher, one half of the soap’s famously chaotic relationship with Bianca Jackson.
Their turbulent romance produced one of British television’s most recognisable catchphrases, with Bianca repeatedly screaming “Rickaaaaaaay!” across Albert Square.
Away from acting, Owen has also appeared on several reality TV programmes including Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity MasterChef and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.
Born David John Sutton in 1972, the actor has previously spoken openly about his difficult childhood, including losing his mother at the age of seven and his father later being jailed.
He detailed his upbringing in his 2021 memoir From Rags to Ricky.
Owen most recently returned to EastEnders for a brief cameo in 2022 and 2023, while also taking on occasional film and documentary projects.
