After more than two decades away, Vicki Fowler makes her long-awaited return to Albert Square on EastEnders this week, arriving under tragic circumstances. Fans of the iconic soap will see Vicki, the love child of Michelle Fowler and Dirty Den Watts, come home to attend her uncle Martin's funeral following his shocking death caused by a devastating explosion at The Vic.
Vicki, who has been living in Australia with her former partner Spencer Moon, will now be portrayed by Alice Haig. She arrives back on the Square with her new boyfriend Ross, played by Alex Walkinshaw, and his son Joel, performed by newcomer Max Murray. Their unexpected appearance raises eyebrows, especially since many had assumed Vicki was still with Spencer, leaving her sister Sharon and Spencer's brother Alfie stunned.
Vicki's return to Walford is not just about reuniting with family; it brings significant drama as she hopes to establish herself and her new family within the local community. Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw expressed his excitement about Vicki's comeback: "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."
Speaking on her return, Haig shared her enthusiasm: "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." This sentiment is echoed by Walkinshaw, who expressed his eagerness to embrace Ross, describing him as "a decent, hardworking family man who always puts family first, and he is very much in love with Vicki, but it’s not always plain sailing."
Murray, making his acting debut on the show, emphasized the privilege it is to be part of the ensemble: "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." Their introduction to the Square promises to stir up intrigue not just surrounding Vicki's past but also the dynamics of her new relationship and family.
Vicki's presence is especially poignant following the heartbreaking circumstances of Martin's death, dealt with dramatically during the show’s recent live episode, where he tragically suffered from crush syndrome after being struck by debris during the explosion. His life was cut short, leaving those closest to him—particularly his former love Stacey Slater—devastated.
With Vicki's return set against this backdrop of sorrow, it remains to be seen how she will navigate her new life alongside Ross and Joel, and whether they will find acceptance among her remaining family members on Albert Square. Clenshaw hinted at Vicki's role as the stand-in for her mother Michelle, who will not be present for Martin's funeral, adding another layer of complexity to the emotional reunion.
The long-time fans of EastEnders can anticipate plenty of drama as the series explores Vicki's evolution over the past 20 years, the dynamics of her new family, and the storylines yet to be revealed. With brows raised and curiosity piqued, viewers will be left wondering how this new chapter for Vicki Fowler will change the face of Walford.
EastEnders continues to air from Monday to Thursday at 7:30 pm on BBC One, with episodes available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. The characters' interwoven fates and the community's response to Vicki and her family will undoubtedly shape the narrative threads of the episodes to come.