Vicki Fowler is to return to EastEnders in order to pay her respects at her uncle Martin’s funeral.
Vicki, who will be played by Andor and Rain Dogs actor Alice Haig, will set foot in Albert Square for the first time in more than 20 years, bringing her new boyfriend, Ross, and his son, Joel, with her.
It comes after Martin Fowler (James Bye) died from a cardiac arrest in Thursday’s 40th anniversary live episode of the BBC soap, after he suffered from crush syndrome when a metal beam was lifted from his midriff that had fallen on him following an explosion in the Queen Vic pub.
Speaking about the character’s return, Haig said: “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.”
Vicki, who has previously been played by Emma Herry and Scarlett Alice Johnson, had previously been living in Australia with former love Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker) after departing the soap in 2004.
Her sister Sharon (Letitia Dean) and Spencer’s brother Alfie (Shane Richie) are expected to be shocked by her return and Vicki’s new love, Ross, with the pair unaware that she and Spencer had split.
Alex Walkinshaw, who will play Ross, added: “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.”
Max Murray, who will play his son, Joel, said: “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.”
The daughter of “Dirty” Den Watts (Leslie Grantham) and Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully), Vicki was born in a controversial storyline about teenage pregnancy in 1986.
Following the story, Vicki appeared in the soap until 1995 when she and her mother left Walford for the US, but she returned from 2003 to 2004, where she fell for Spencer and became pregnant with his child before having an abortion.
Speaking about the character’s return, EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “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.”
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