EastEnders viewers are being reintroduced to Vicki Fowler – now played by Alice Haig – on the BBC soap this week, with the character no longer played by Scarlett Alice Johnson
Vicki Fowler has returned to EastEnders after more than two decades away from Albert Square. The character last appeared on the BBC soap opera in 2004 but has now come back to Walford following a tragedy in her family.
She makes her long-awaited return in today’s episode of EastEnders. Vicki – now played by Alice Haig – was last seen leaving Walford for a new life abroad but has come back following the death of her uncle Martin Fowler (played by James Bye). He died amid the show’s 40th anniversary last month after being injured in the Queen Vic explosion.
Vicki surprises residents, including her sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), with her return this week ahead of Martin’s funeral. She’s joined by her partner Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and his son Joel Marshall (Max Murray).
The character is seen making her arrival back onto Albert Square in the closing moments of the latest episode, which is already available on BBC iPlayer. Ahead of the episode being broadcast on BBC One tonight, we’ve taken a look at Vicki’s return and the recasting of the character.
Who is Vicki Fowler?
Vicki – who was born in 1986 – is the daughter of Michelle Fowler (originally played by Susan Tully) and the late Den Watts (Leslie Grantham). Through Den, she’s the younger sister of Sharon and Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman).
Through the maternal side of her family, she’s the older sibling of Mark Fowler (Ned Porteous). Other relatives who have lived on Albert Square include her late grandmother Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard) and late uncle Martin.
Following her birth, Vicki – who was played Emma Herry and then Samantha Leigh Martin during her first decade on EastEnders – remained on the show until 1995. Michelle and Vicki relocated to the US from the UK together that year.
Vicki – then played by Scarlett Alice Johnson – later returned 2003. After coming back to Walford, the character discovered that her father Den was actually alive, despite him having been presumed dead by his family since 1989.
She was also part of storylines related to her relationship with Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker), who’s the younger brother of Alfie Moon (Shane Richie). Vicki left the show in 2004 and then spent some time in Australia with Spencer.
Who plays her now?
Last month, it was announced that Vicki would return to EastEnders after a more than 20 year absence from the show. The BBC revealed at the time that she had been recast with actor Alice Haig, 40, having taken over the role.
Alice – whose acting credits include shows like Rain Dogs and The Day of the Jackal in recent years – has expressed excitement over playing the character. She’s also teased that she’s the same age as the show, which launched in 1985.
She said in a statement: “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.”
Where is the previous actor?
During her last stint on the show from 2003 to 2004, Vicki was played by actor Scarlett, now 39,. She however has not reprised the role for the character’s return this year, with her said to have turned down the opportunity.
A spokesperson for her told the Sun: “Scarlett was approached, and was flattered to be asked to return, but the timing wasn’t right for her to step back into the role.” They added: “She wishes Alice Haig and the show all the very best.”
Scarlett has continued to act in the decades since her time on EastEnders. After appearing on the soap, she played the lead role of Laura Derbyshire in sitcom Pramface for three series from 2012 to 2014. More recently, she has been in Call the Midwife, the Good Karma Hospital and Casualty.
Outside of her career, she married to her former Pramface co-star Sean Verey, now 34, back in 2017. It’s previously been reported that they have a child together.
EastEnders continues tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The episode is already available on the streaming platform ahead of its broadcast.
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