Maisie Smith wants Sid Owen to return to 'EastEnders'.

Maisie Smith

Maisie Smith

The 18-year-old soap star - who has played Tiffany Butcher on the BBC One Soap on and off since 2008 - admitted she would love the actor to make a comeback so her character could be reunited with her father Ricky Butcher.

She told Inside Soap magazine: "I'd love for Tiff's dad Ricky to come back, and fight for that father role against Jack [Branning, played by Scott Maslen].

"That would be quite a good little drama! Patsy [Palmer, aka Bianca] came back for a short spell last year, which was amazing, but Sid and I haven't worked together in so long.

"It would be a completely different dynamic to see Tiffany and Ricky together again now she's grown up - that would be very interesting to film."

Maisie also called on soap bosses to give her more screen time with her real-life friend Danielle Harold (Lola Pearce).

She added: "I wish Tiff and Lola could have more scenes together.

"Danielle Harold, who plays Lola, is one of my best mates, and while we sometimes appear together, I think Lola and Tiffany would be good friends.

"So the show needs to work on that! Hopefully they'll read this and put us together ... hint, hint!"

Maisie - who first appeared in Albert Square when she was six years old - previously revealed she would love to still be in the same role when she's 90, to follow in the footsteps of Albert Square legend June Brown (Dot Cotton).

She said: "That would be quite cool, wouldn't it? To have my entire life shown on 'EastEnders'. If I started and ended my career like Dot, that's pretty iconic. It's definitely the goal.

"But I'm only young, you know - 'EastEnders' might not even want me next year. Who knows? But if ever I did leave I'd want to come back because it's a lovely show to be on."