EASTENDERS actress Alice Haig revealed exactly what her predecessor as Vicki Fowler said to her after taking on the role.

Alice, 40, assumed the role of returning character Vicki earlier this year.

She took over from previous star Scarlett Alice Johnson, who played the part over 20 years ago.

Speaking to The Sun at the British Soap Awards, Alice confirmed her predecessor had reached out.

She told us: “Scarlett sent me a beautiful email wishing me luck and being incredibly kind.

“It was a lovely thing to get. She said it’s great fun playing Vicki Fowler and I couldn’t agree more.”

The Sun previously told how Scarlett turned down the chance to reprise her role as Vicki.

Bosses of EastEnders had hoped to win Scarlett back after her portrayal of Vicki developed a cult following online – two decades after her last appearance.

The actress originally took on the role in 2003 but left once again just a little over a year later and hasn’t been seen since.

A spokesperson for Scarlett 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.

“She wishes Alice Haig and the show all the very best”.

Meanwhile, Alice also told us at the Soap Awards: “In all honesty, I think in soap world we suspend our disbelief. We’re changing actors.

“Once you’re bedded in for a bit, you are the character and you do what you do.

“I think what I’m really interested in is trying to find flavours of Michelle – her mum.

“As opposed to trying to copy Scarlett, who was fantastic and her own person.

“It’s much better to be who you are and to try and play it as truthfully as you can, for you.”

Acting appears to run in Alice’s family, as the new star has a famous film star dad.

Upon Vicki’s return to Albert Square, she was joined by new partner Ross and his teenage son Joel.

Viewers discovered she had broken up with long-term love Spencer Moon off-screen.

EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.