EastEnders has announced a shock return for Vicki Fowler, with the character being recast after over 20 years away.

Vicki, who was last seen on-screen in 2004, will return to Albert Square to attend the funeral of her uncle, Martin, after he tragically passed away following the dramatic explosion at The Vic.

Vicki, who will now be played by Alice Haig, will arrive in Walford with her boyfriend Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and their son Joel (Max Murray), with the trio raising eyebrows in the Square following Vicki’s long absence.

Vicki was previously said to have been living in Australia with Spencer Moon, but the existence of a new family comes as a shock to Sharon and Alfie. Despite their doubts, Vicki is hellbent on making it work with Ross, with the family keen to ingratiate themselves in East London.

“I am so excited,” said Haig. “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.”

“I am really excited as I’ve had so many friends on EastEnders throughout the years, and I always hear lovely things about it,” added Walkinshaw, who has previously appeared in Casualty and Holby City.

“The show is top draw drama and I can’t wait to get stuck in. Ross is a decent, hard-working family man, he always puts family first, and he is very in love with Vicki, but it’s not always plain sailing.”

Murray, who will make his acting debut on the soap, said of his role: “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.”

Departing executive producer Chris Clenshaw also shared a statement, saying: “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.

“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.”