EastEnders spoilers: Ricky’s final exit revealed as he faces heartbreak

We’ve loved having Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen) back in Albert Square since he returned to EastEnders at the beginning of December, but his time in Walford is sadly about to come to an end. And it looks like it might be a heartbreaking departure for the character.

What Ricky is hoping for is that Sam (Kim Medcalf) will join him and Scarlett (Tabitha Byron) when he returns to Germany. In fact he has his heart so much set on a new life with his family that he goes off to choose an engagement ring for Sam and shocks her by popping the question.

Sam, however, has other things on her mind, most importantly her son Ricky Jr (Frankie Day). She’s hesitant about telling him that she’s going to live in Germany, but then he gives her some news that changes everything.

Ricky Jr. has just discovered that he’s the father of Lily Slater (Lillia Turner)’s baby, and as soon as Lily has told him the news he bumps into Sam and blurts it all out to her. He’s looking for reassurance and support but Sam makes a mess of things by clumsily telling him she’s going to Germany.

Sam feels even worse when she sees Jack (Scott Maslen) and Ricky Jr. heading for the police station. Jack has told her that their son could face criminal charges for getting under-age Lily pregnant. She decides she has to support her son and goes to the police station, sitting with Ricky Jr. as he’s interviewed.

Back in Walford Ricky starts to panic as Sam is late getting home, knowing that if she doesn’t hurry up they’ll miss their plane. She finally arrives and Ricky bustles around making sure they’re fully organised and ready for their trip.

But will Sam go with him after all? Or will she decide that Ricky Jr. is the Ricky who needs her the most?

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