EastEnders has confirmed that Vicki Fowler’s dramatic return to Walford will air next week – but there is an intriguing twist.

Vicki was last seen in Albert Square back in 2004, but last month it was announced that the character will return for her uncle Martin’s funeral, with actor Alice Haig taking up the role

In scenes that will air next week, Vicki arrives in a black cab, but Sharon Watts is surprised to see her with her new partner Ross and his teenage son Joel – played by Casualty and Holby City‘s Alex Walkinshaw and newcomer Max Murray.

She was previously thought to have been living in Australia with Spencer Moon, but Vicki explains to her half-sister that they separated, and she is now in a new relationship.

sharon, vicki, ross, joel, eastenders
BBC

sharon watts, vicki fowler, eastenders
BBC

 

Meanwhile, Alfie Moon and Kat Slater rush over after finding out from Zack Hudson that Vicki is in Walford, with Alfie hoping to see his brother, but they are shocked by Spencer’s absence, unaware that they are no longer together.

Kat is suspicious and questions Vicki on her version of events, and it isn’t long before she reveals the real reason why she and Spencer split up.

But the new characters seemingly have bigger worries, as later in the café, Ross encourages Vicki to ask Sharon for money.

sharon watts, alfie moon, vicki fowler, eastenders
BBC

ross, vicki fowler, eastenders
BBC

However, Vicki decides against this after speaking to Kathy Beale and finding out about what Sharon has been through recently. She sets her sights on Ian Beale instead, lying about her debt and asking him for a loan.

Ian speaks to Sharon about what Vicki has asked of him, and she confronts her sister at the Boxing Den. But Vicki dismisses her concerns and assures her that everything is fine.

peter beale, ross, eastenders
BBC

vicki fowler, sharon watts, eastenders
BBC

Elsewhere, Ross attempts to introduce himself to Vicki’s wider family and the Albert Square locals, and pictures show him talking to Ian and Peter Beale.

Tensions continue to grow between Vicki and Sharon, but Sharon later gets some advice from Linda Carter, which gives her food for thought.

Why is Vicki in need of money, and will she come together with Sharon to say goodbye to Martin?

EastEnders airs on Mondays – Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.