Vicki Fowler returns to Albert Square

Vicki Fowler is returning to EastEnders in January.

The character was last seen in Walford in 1995 aged nine before she left for the USA with mother Michelle for a new life.

She will be played by newcomer Scarlett Johnson.

Vicki is step-sister to Sharon and niece of Mark and Martin Fowler, as a result of a late-night liaison between Michelle Fowler and Den Watts in the Queen Vic.

Scarlett says: "When I got the call from EastEnders I was in complete shock - I'd been to two auditions but hadn't heard anything for so long that I just put it out of my mind. So the news, when it came was really out of the blue.

"Everyone on the cast has been really welcoming - Kim Medcalf is my mentor which is great and James Alexandrou, my on screen uncle Martin, has been so supportive.

"It's surreal joining a show that is such a British institution and I am such a big fan of, and strange to have scenes with people like Letitia Dean and Wendy Richard who I've looked up to."