Former EastEnders actor Aaron Sidwell has ruled out a return for Steven Beale.

Fans had speculated that the character could make a comeback to Walford due to the current storyline around Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater).

Aaron Sidwell

"No plans in place to return to @bbceastenders guys. But what a storyline. Keep watching!" Sidwell wrote on Twitter.

"It's not a case of me not wanting to return to @bbceastenders it's just not currently on the cards. One day I'll be back I'm sure!"

Sidwell took over the role of Steven in September 2007 and was last seen on-screen in May 2008.

Previous actor Edward Savage played the role until 2002, when Steven left Albert Square for New Zealand to stay with his biological father Simon Wicks.

On his return, Steven held Ian (Adam Woodyatt) hostage and accidentally shot Jane (Laurie Brett) in a failed suicide attempt.

Ian admitted Steven to a psychiatric hospital following the incident, but made a second attempt to take his life by dousing himself in petrol until Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) stopped him.

Gaining his way back into the Beale household, Steven eventually developed a relationship with Stacey, although he later kissed Christian (John Partridge).

Steven left the Square after trying to suffocate Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement), who discovered he was hiding Lucy and helping her flee to France.