We may have just lost Martin Fowler (James Bye) in EastEnders but there’s some old blood and some new heading to Walford as his fellow Fowler Vicki is staging a return after more than two decades.

Last played by Scarlett Alice Johnson up until 2004, Vicki is the daughter of Michelle and Den Watts, her character therefore steeped in significant parts of the show’s history.

We last saw Vicki head off for a new life with Spencer Moon, but a lot has changed – Vicki is now played by a different actress and also has a family in tow.

She will be back to attend her Uncle Martin’s funeral but will be back on the Square long-term with new boyfriend and her son.

Vicki has been living in Australia with Spencer where they ran a bar. So, when she arrives with a new man on her arm, it comes as quite the shock to sister Sharon (Letitia Dean) and Spencer’s brother Alfie (Shane Richie), who had no idea they had split.

However, it quickly becomes clear that Vicki is serious about Ross and that the couple are keen to ingratiate themselves with her family in E20.

Andor and Rain Dogs actor Alice Haig is taking on the part of Vicki.

She’ll be joined by The Bill and Holby City icon Alex Walkinshaw as Ross and TV newcomer Max Murray as Joel.

Speaking of her role as Vicki, Alice Haig enthused: ‘I am so excited. I have always watched the show, and I was born in February 1985, so I’m the same age as EastEnders!

‘It’s so cool to be playing a character like Vicki – we think we know her, but a lot has changed. I can’t wait for all the Albert Square drama ahead.’

Forever remembered as Sun Hill’s Smithy, Alex Walkinshaw said: ‘I am really excited as I’ve had so many friends on EastEnders throughout the years, and I always hear lovely things about it.

‘The show is top draw drama and I can’t wait to get stuck in. Ross is a decent, hardworking family man, he always puts family first, and he is very in love with Vicki, but it’s not always plain sailing.’

On his role as Joel, Max Murray added: ‘It’s an absolute privilege and honour to be joining such a wonderful production full of a lovely cast and crew. I’m really looking forward to introducing Joel to EastEnders viewers and telling his story.’

Masterminding the new family is outgoing boss Chris Clenshaw, who shared: ‘We’re delighted to have the very talented Alice, Alex and Max with us. Vicki is back under the most tragic of circumstances, representing her distraught mum Michelle, and she’s changed a lot since we last saw her.

‘We’re excited to let viewers get reacquainted with Vicki and to introduce Ross and Joel to the Square. It won’t be long before Vicki and this new branch of the Fowler family are making waves in Walford.’

Viewers can expect to see the clan make their landing in coming weeks as the Square bids farewell to one of its own – while welcoming another home.

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