EASTENDERS has announced that the iconic character, Vicki Fowler is set to make a dramatic return.
The adoptive sister of Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) will make her comeback for Martin Fowler’s funeral.
James Bye played Martin for a decade before he was killed off in the live episode to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the BBC One soap.
Martin was the first baby born on EastEnders, but he will soon be laid to rest in a poignant moment for the long-running fans.
Now, his niece will once again appear on Albert Square for his funeral, but she will come with a surprising new family in tow.
When Vicki last appeared on the soap in 2004, she was played by actress Scarlett Alice Johnson.
Now, Alice Haig will take up the role when the character makes her return to Walford.
For the first time in over 20 years, she’s set to attend her Uncle’s funeral, as she brings her new boyfriend Ross and his son Joel with her.
Fans took to social media, appearing disappointed that bosses chose to recast the role.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer wrote: “Man, I don’t know about the Vicki recast, will have to see about this.”
A second stated: “I didn’t even realise that it’s Vicki Fowler (another recast).”
“I feel the time it wrong for Vicki especially as a recast, she should have been brought back either when Michelle was brought back & recast or when Denny died to support Sharon with a Vicki recast why couldn’t they do the same for spence as original actor definitely won’t be back”, commented a third user.
While a fourth raged: “I cannot believe the legendary Vicki Fowler has been recast.”
“Gutted they recast Vicki Fowler,” posted someone else.
And a sixth fan added: “Really upset they made the choice now to bring back Vicki and especially to recast.”
Vicki caused controversy on the square from day one of her life as the love child of teen mum Michelle Fowler and Dirty Den Watts,
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
Since leaving the Square in 2004, it was thought that Vicki has been living in Australia with Spencer Moon where they ran a bar.
So, when she arrives in Walford with a new man on her arm, it will come as a shock to both sister Sharon and Spencer’s brother Alfie, who had no idea they had split.
EastEnders continues on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
