EASTENDERS fans will welcome back a character after two decades as Albert Square residents gather to mourn.

The BBC soap aired a shock death storyline this week as part of its 40th anniversary, which saw the Queen Vic go up in flamed and one beloved character lost their life.

Now as the BBC soap airs his funeral, there’s a blast from the past set to rejoin Albert Square.

Vicki Fowler will set foot in Albert Square for the first time in over 20 years to attend her Uncle Martin’s funeral, bringing her new boyfriend Ross and his son Joel with her.

As the love child of teen mum Michelle Fowler and Dirty Den Watts, 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 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 and Spencer’s brother Alfie, 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.

Whilst soap fans may remember Vicki as the fresh faced younger sister of Sharon and brother Dennis, played by actress Scarlett Alice Johnson.

However the Vicki Fowler of 2025 comes with a new actress to EastEnders, as 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).

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.”

Newcomer to TV, actor Max Murray added: “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.”

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.”