The EastEnders are shocked to learn that Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) has split from long-term boyfriend Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker) next week.

Childhood sweethearts Vicki and Spencer first met when she (then played by Scarlett Alice Johnson) arrived from the US to live with her grandmother Pauline in 2003.

Pauline scorned the youngsters for spending so much time together, and ordered Spencer out of the house when he was invited for coffee.

The couple’s got off to a rocky start when she fell pregnant following a one night stand, with him adamant that he was ready to be a father.

Her half-sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) implored her to keep the child, offering her £10,000 in exchange for being able to raise it as her own.

Appalled by the idea, Vicki terminated her pregnancy and Spencer was left devastated. They reconciled on New Year’s Eve, when, following a breakdown in the Scottish moors, they made amends.

She later tried to set him up with Kelly Taylor (Brooke Kinsella), but their brief courtship ended when she left to be a holiday rep in Ibiza.

Spencer then landed himself in hot water when he was caught trying to retrieve drugs for Danny Moon (Jake Maskall) from the Fowler home, and was sent by brother Alfie (Shane Richie) to live in Australia.

The following year, Vicki left for America, but it was later revealed that she had reunited with Spencer in the land Down Under.

Ten years ago, Sharon said that the pair were exploring the option of opening a bar together.

It comes as a huge surprise to Sharon, Alfie and his girlfriend Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) next week when Vicki returns to the area – with a new man on her arm.

Alongside boyfriend Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and his son Joel (Max Murray), the trio are there to represent her mum Michelle at her uncle Martin’s (James Bye) funeral.

Emotions are running high through the Square as a result of his death, and Sharon has just had an emotional conversation with ex-husband Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) concerning his affection for her.

Sharon’s brother Zack Hudson (James Farrar) alerts Alfie and Kat to Vicki’s arrival, and they’re gobsmacked to see that Spencer is nowhere to be seen.

Vicki recalls the reason why they broke up, with Kat wondering whether she is being entirely truthful. Soon, the real reason is admitted.

The truth is revealed 𝑭𝒂𝒏𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆 & 𝑾𝒆𝒃𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆: C𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬.𝙞𝒏𝙛𝒐 

It soon becomes clear that Vicki and Ross have an ulterior motive, and they haven’t just shown up for the funeral service.

He implores her to ask Sharon for some cash, though she’s riddled with guilt after learning of her sister’s recent turmoil.

With nowhere left to turn, she lies about her debt and asks first cousin, once removed Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) for a loan instead.

Later, tensions rise as Sharon begins to ask questions as to why Vicki is scouting for money.

Why are Vicki and Ross so desperate for financial security?