Vicki Fowler’s (Alice Haig) plan to leave Walford is hit with a massive curveball in EastEnders this week.

The legacy character recently returned to the BBC soap after 20 years for her uncle Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral, with Alice Haig taking over the role from previous actress Scarlett Alice Johnson.

Having returned from Australia, Vicki was joined by new partner Ross and his son Joel, which sparked confusion from locals, who believed she was still in a relationship with Alfie Moon’s (Shane Richie) younger brother Spencer (Christopher Parker).

It soon became clear that the couple were up to their eyeballs in debt, with Vicki’s sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) eventually agreeing to loan her and Ross the money.

However, it was later revealed to viewers that the couple’s debt is actually Joel’s.

On Monday, the day of Martin’s funeral arrives and Ross decides to support Vicki at the service even though Sharon thinks it’s a bad idea, given Alfie’s anger towards him.

Sharon’s fears look to be valid, as Ross is soon trying to put things right with her after upsetting Alfie, but she makes it clear that she won’t be won over by smooth talking.

After taking a mysterious call, Ross makes it his mission to convince Vicki that they should stay in Walford longer than planned – despite the fact she has already booked flights home.

Ross has a challenge on his hands though, as after failing to convince Vicki directly, he tries to manipulate Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) into persuading Vicki they should stick around.

With Vicki’s mum Michelle Fowler (Jenna Russell) still struggling to process Martin’s death back home in Australia, Ross insinuates to Ian that it’s her son Mark Fowler Jnr (Ned Porteous), not Vicky, who needs to step up and support her.

Ross’ plan looks to have worked when Vicki takes a call from her mum…