An iconic character is returning to ‘EastEnders' for the first time in over 20 years, it's been announced.
Vicki Fowler will return to Albert Square to attend her Uncle Martin’s (James Bye) funeral, bringing her new boyfriend Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and his son Joel (Max Murray) with her. As the love child of teen mum Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully) and Dirty Den Watts (Leslie Grantham), Vicki’s life has been beset with drama from day one, but since leaving the Square in 2004, Vicki has been living in Australia with long-term love Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker) where they ran a bar.
So, when she arrives in Walford 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 Fowler. She’ll be joined by ‘The Bill' and ‘Holby City' actor Alex Walkinshaw (Ross) and newcomer Max Murray (Joel).
Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said of the castings: “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 of her role as Vicki, Alice 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.”
Speaking of his role as newcomer Ross, 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 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.”
‘EastEnders' airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
