Ricky Champ’s Return to EastEnders

EastEnders fans are in for a treat as Ricky Champ is set to reprise his role as Stuart Highway for a brief stint later this year. After leaving the soap in 2022, Stuart’s return to Albert Square is triggered by the death of his father, Jonno, and his desire to support his brother Callum (Tony Clay). Ricky’s return marks an exciting chapter for both the character and the actor, and fans are eager to see what’s next for Stuart after his absence.

Ricky Champ’s career has spanned numerous popular TV shows, but it is his role as Stuart Highway that has solidified his place in the hearts of EastEnders viewers. Beyond his soap opera fame, Ricky has made a name for himself across a variety of roles. Here, we take a closer look at Ricky’s life away from the cameras, including his family life and other career highlights.

A Successful Career with Memorable Roles

Ricky Champ, 45, has built an impressive career since his acting debut in 2005. Originally from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, Ricky studied at Guildhall School of Music and Drama before launching his career. He’s best known for his portrayal of Stuart Highway on EastEnders, a role that earned him several nominations at prestigious award ceremonies like the Inside Soap Awards, TV Choice Awards, and British Soap Awards.

While EastEnders remains his most well-known project, Ricky’s acting talents have also been showcased in several other hit series. He played Paul Parker in the BBC Three sitcom Him and Her and appeared in the sixth season of Game of Thrones as Gatins. Ricky has also had roles in shows like Crims, Plebs, Absentia, Suspect, Piglets, and Casualty.

In 2023, Ricky added a new achievement to his resume by joining the West End cast of 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Apollo Theatre, further solidifying his diverse acting career.

Ricky Champ’s Family Life

Away from the limelight, Ricky enjoys a happy and fulfilling family life with his wife, Samantha “Sammy” Gilbert. Sammy, who previously worked as a visual merchandiser at H&M, and Ricky tied the knot in 2016. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Beatrix, the following year.

In 2022, Ricky and Sammy expanded their family with the arrival of their son, River Leo. River was born two weeks early via a Caesarean section, and Ricky and Sammy were open about the experience in an interview. Despite the joy of having two young children, Sammy shared that the family feels complete: “It does feel complete here in the Champ household – so complete that it’s almost overcrowded. At the moment, there are no plans to expand further, but you never know.”

Ricky and Sammy’s relationship is a strong one, built on mutual support and love. While Ricky is busy with his acting career, Sammy plays a crucial role in balancing family life with Ricky’s demanding profession.

Stuart’s Return to Walford

Fans of EastEnders are eagerly awaiting Stuart Highway’s return. His comeback is set to cause a stir, as it marks his first appearance in Walford since he left in 2022 with his wife, Rainie. Stuart’s return to Albert Square follows the tragic death of his father, Jonno, and will see him reconnecting with his brother, Callum, as they navigate their grief. Drama is sure to follow, and fans are excited to see how Stuart’s story will evolve.

Stuart’s return is also linked to the return of Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden), who is visiting London on day release from prison after being incarcerated for fraud in the U.S. last year. The dynamic between Stuart, Ben, and other Walford residents promises to bring fresh drama and tension to the beloved soap.

What’s Next for Ricky Champ?

As Ricky Champ returns to EastEnders, both fans and co-stars are excited to see where his character, Stuart Highway, will go next. While his personal life remains private, Ricky’s dedication to his craft and his family continues to inspire those around him. Fans can look forward to more EastEnders drama and hopefully more exciting projects in the future for this talented actor.