Where you know EastEnders' Vicki Fowler actress Alice Haig from as character recast

Vicki Fowler will make her long-awaited return to EastEnders later this week, but the role has been recast with a new actress taking over the part - and you might recognise her

EastEnders fans are in for a major blast from the past as Vicki Fowler returns to Albert Square after more than two decades away.

The daughter of Michelle Fowler and Dirty Den Watts is set to make her dramatic comeback to attend her Uncle Martin’s funeral, bringing her new boyfriend Ross and his son Joel along for the ride. But the big question on everyone’s lips is: who is playing Vicki this time around, and why was she recast?

The role of Vicki Fowler will now be played by Alice Haig, best known for her work in Andor and Rain Dogs . Previously portrayed by Scarlett Alice Johnson, Vicky was last seen on-screen in 2004 when she left Walford for Australia with Spencer Moon to start a new life running a bar. Scarlett played Vicki Fowler - the daughter of Dirty Den Watts and Michelle Fowler - for two years after the role was recast in 2003, having previously been portrayed by Samantha Leigh Martin as a youngster.

Now, she’s back, but with a new man instead of Spencer, which leaves her sister Sharon and Spencer’s brother Alfie reeling.

The decision to recast Vicky comes as the character has evolved significantly since her last appearance. Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw explained the casting choices, saying: “We’re delighted to have the very talented Alice, Alex, and Max with us. Vicky 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 Vicky and to introduce Ross and Joel to the Square. It won’t be long before Vicky and this new branch of the Fowler family are making waves in Walford.”

Alice Haig, thrilled to take on the role, expressed her excitement, saying: “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 Vicky - we think we know her, but a lot has changed. I can’t wait for all the Albert Square drama ahead.”

Despite a relatively short period in Walford, Vicki was still part of several storylines which piqued the viewers' interest including getting pregnant in her teenage years, just like her mother.

Joining Haig in this new chapter are The Bill and Holby City star Alex Walkinshaw as Ross and newcomer Max Murray as Joel. Walkinshaw described Ross as “a decent, hardworking family man who always puts family first,” while Murray expressed his excitement about joining the iconic soap.

With Vicki’s return set to shake things up in Walford, fans will have to stay tuned to see what drama unfolds. One thing is certain, Vicki Fowler is back, and she means business.

Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .