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EastEnders icon teases return for 'the right storyline' after joining rival soap

EastEnders star Richard Blackwood has played Vincent Hubbard in the BBC soap and now stars as Felix Westwood in Hollyoaks

[Kim and Vincent on EastEnders]

The actor was killed off-screen, with his death confirmed three years after his exit (Image: BBC)

A former EastEnders actor has hinted at a potential return, but only if the storyline is "right".

Richard Blackwood, who portrayed Vincent Hubbard in the BBC soap from 2015 to 2018 before joining Hollyoaks as Felix Westwood in 2020, has opened up about the possibility.

Vincent was shot by Aidan Maguire's gang on EastEnders in 2018, with his off-screen death not confirmed until 2021 when Denise, Kim Fox's sister, demanded evidence and was left shocked by the video she saw.

However, given the recent comebacks of Kathy Beale and Cindy Beale, both previously believed dead by their families, there could always be a route back for Vincent.

[Vincent Hubbard played by Richard Blackwood on EastEnders]

The actor said he would return on one condition, adding 'never say never'(Image: BBC)

Addressing a potential return, he told The Daily Star exclusively at The National Film Awards: "I would never say never, EastEnders was really good to me. I've never had a bad experience on EastEnders or Hollyoaks, any of the shows, they've all been good to me," reports the Mirror.

"If the storyline is right and it makes sense, obviously it's also about what the fans want as well."

When quizzed about his favourite role, he continued: "I think they're all my favourites at the time.

"Vincent put me on the map if you think about it, in terms of a soap drama, Vincent was like the first to do it, it will always be in my heart. But also Felix from Hollyoaks cemented it."

[Richard Blackwood on EastEnders]

Richard addressed his return as Vincent on EastEnders(Image: BBC)

When he left EastEnders nearly a decade ago, Richard said it was the "right time" to go.

He shared in a statement: "I have loved every minute of my time at EastEnders and although I will be sad to say goodbye, after three years it feels the right time to leave.

"I have been truly blessed with some great storylines since the moment I joined but when I was presented with my last story I knew it was time for Vincent to depart Walford.

"I'm now excited about what the future holds, I have a feature film out this year, I will be returning to theatre and also some great presenting TV gigs."

[Richard Blackwood]

Richard now plays Felix on Hollyoaks(Image: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)

A show insider added to The Mirror at the time: "Richard has known for quite some time that he would be leaving EastEnders as his leaving storyline was presented to him last year and he was happy to go ahead with the ending planned.

"Although it's a shame that he will be departing Walford the decision was completely mutual and it came at the right time for Richard as he wanted to pursue other opportunities."

Elsewhere at the National Film Awards on July 1, Richard teased an appearance on strictly-come-dancing>Strictly Come Dancing after a stint on Dancing on Ice in 2019, where he was partnered with professional skater Carlotta Edwards and became the second celebrity eliminated.

He said: "I could do it, it's safer, because it's concrete, carpeted... as I say, I would never say never.

"Dancing on Ice is probably one of the hardest because no matter how much training, it can be dangerous. So it's an achievement but I would do Strictly."

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am

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