The way thery were: Liam was born in 1998

Palmer left the show after six years in 1999 to spend more time with her family and to concentrate on other projects.

Her feisty character Bianca was known for her piercing cry of "Ricky" when she was unhappy with her other half.

Bianca and Ricky were also known for their unstable relationship, both having affairs.

When Palmer, 29, left, scriptwriters decided to make her character head to Manchester with baby Liam to start a fashion course and a new life.

But Owen, 30, left the soap the following year, and his character was last seen hitching a lift on a lorry bound for Europe.

Influence

Owen had been in the soap for 12 years, and his character had first been married to Sam Mitchell, played by Daniella Westbrook.

Although both actors have gone on to pursue other projects, neither has managed to shed the influence of their overbearing EastEnders characters.

Palmer has starred in animal series Battersea Dogs Home and detective drama McCready and Daughter as well as being a guest host on GMTV.

Owen launched a bid for pop stardom - but is only single release was a flop.