BBC EastEnders Vicki Fowler's return confirmed after 20 years - and she's not alone

Vicki Fowler is set to return to Walford to attend her uncle Martin Fowler's funeral.

It has been confirmed that the fan favourite character will be back on our screens in the near future with Alice Haig taking over the role from Scarlett Alice Johnson.

However, Vicki won't be alone, bringing her new boyfriend Ross and his son Joel with her. As the love child of teen mum Michelle Fowler and Dirty Den Watts, Vicky's life has been beset with drama from day one.

Since leaving Albert Square in 2004, Vicki has been living in Australia with long-term love Spencer Moon 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 Watts (Letitia Dean) and Spencer's brother Alfie Moon (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 actress Alice is taking on the part of Vicki and she'll be joined by The Bill and Holby City actor Alex Walkinshaw as Ross and newcomer Max Murray will play Joel.

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."

Newcomer Ross actor Alex Walkinshaw 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, who will play Joel, exclaimed: "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."

Vicki was originally played by Emma Henry from 1986 until 1987 before Samantha Leigh Martin took over the role from 1988 until 1995. The character then returned with Scarlett in the role in 2003 until 2004.

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."

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am