Original EastEnders’ Vicki Fowler star Scarlett Johnson rejected return

Ash Percival

Published February 26, 2025 12:43pm Updated February 26, 2025 12:43pm

Scarlett Johnson as EastEnders' Vicki Fowler — Scarlett Johnson originally played Vicki Fowler from 2003 to 2004 (Picture: BBC)

With EastEnders’ Vicki Fowler on her way back to Walford with a brand new head, it turns out original actress Scarlett Alice Johnson rejected an offer to reprise the role.

Over the weekend, it was announced the character – who was last seen in 2004 – would be making a comeback to the BBC soap following the on-screen death of her uncle Martin Fowler (James Bye).

Martin perished in Friday’s live episode after being trapped by a falling beam following the explosion that ripped through the Queen Vic.

Upon her return, Vicki will be played by soap newcomer Alice Haig, taking over the role from Scarlett.

Sorry, this video isn't available any more.

But Metro can confirm EastEnders bosses did approach Scarlett before recasting the character.

A representative for the actress 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.’

Vicki Fowler standing next to the Albert Square sign in EastEnders. — Alice Haig is taking over the role of Vicki (Picture: BBC)

Vicki is the daughter of Martin’s sister Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully) and original Queen Vic landlord Den Watts (Leslie Grantham).

Born in 1986, Emma Herry featured as the character for the first two years of her life, before Samantha Leigh Martin took over the role until her original exit in 1995.

Scarlett was then cast as Vicki when she returned from America in 2003.

Vicki Fowler holds her face in her hands as Sharon Watts watches on in EastEnders — Vicki is Sharon Watts’ half sister (Picture: BBC)

She departed the Square the following year with Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker), and it was believed they were living off-screen in Australia.

However, Vicki will return to Walford with new partner Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and his son Joel (Max Murray), which comes as a shock to her half-sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Spencer’s brother Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).

Vicki Fowler with Ross and Joel in front of the Albert Square sign in EastEnders — Vicki will be joined by partner Ross and his son Joel (Picture: BBC)

Speaking of her role as Vicki, Alice Haig – known for her roles in Andor and Rain Dogs – enthused: ‘I am 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.’