EastEnders icon, Scarlett Alice Johnson, turned down the chance to reprise her role as Vicki Fowler on BBC soap – despite its epic 40th anniversary success. The Walford-based drama left fans gobsmacked last week when it pulled off an incredible live episode to mark 40 years on air. It was recently confirmed that Vicki would be making a return to Albert Square following the heartbreaking loss of her uncle, Martin Fowler (James Bye) who tragically died in the heart-wrenching live episode last week.
However, former soap actress Scarlett won't be returning to the role, which has been recast to actress, Alice Haig. A spokesperson for the actress told the Mirror that bosses originally wanted the O.G Vicki in the role, "but the timing wasn't right". They said: "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.".
Scarlett joined EastEnders in 2003 and stayed in the Square for nearly two years. Following her impactful role in Walford as Martin's niece Vicki, she then went on to have a successful career in the theatre as well as starring in TV shows, including Pramface and The Good Karma Hospital. Until 2022, Scarlett was also the vice principal of the Bethnal Green branch of the Pauline Quirke Academy drama school.
The actress was last seen as Vicki Fowler Albert Square in 2004, before moving to Australia with partner and former character Spencer Moon, the brother of Alfie Moon. It has now been revealed that the character arrives back in Walford after more than 20 years to attend the funeral of her uncle, who was killed off during the live episode last week. Martin perished after being crushed by a metal beam after The Queen Vic collapsed during an explosion.
Vicki, now played by Alice, will also be joined by her new flame Ross as well as his son Joel, no doubt sparking questions about her split from Spencer. Speaking about getting the gig on the iconic soap, Alice said it was a dream come true as a lifelong EastEnders fan. She said: "I'm 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.".
Lifting the lid on Vicki's return, soap boss Chris Clenshaw said: "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.".
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