EASTENDERS original Vicki Fowler actress Scarlett Alice Johnson turned down a chance to return to the show as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations.
It was recently confirmed that the character of Vicki would be making a grand return to Walford after fans were left begging for a soap comeback.
Iconic Vicki Fowler star Scarlett Alice Johnson turned down the chance to return to the show[/caption]
Actress Alice Haig has taken over the role instead[/caption]
However, BBC bosses revealed that the role had been recast to new actress Alice Haig.
But The Sun can exclusively reveal that original show star Scarlett was asked back to the show but she turned the opportunity down.
A spokesperson for Scarlett told The Sun: “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”.
Bosses of EastEnders had hoped to win Scarlett back after her portrayal of Vicki developed a cult following online – 20 years after her last appearance.
The actress originally took on the role in 2003 but left once again just a little over a year later and hasn’t been seen since.
Fans have been left begging for a comeback for years and it appeared more likely than ever that Vicki would be stepping back onto Albert Square following the the tragic passion of her uncle Martin.
Vicki is remembered for her heavy New York accent that she developed after living Stateside for much of her early teenage years.
However, it quickly began to fade back into a more traditional East End accent after a few months around Pauline Fowler in Walford.
Scarlett’s tenure as Vicki explored the rebellious side of the character and her most memorable scene saw her lash out at Pauline after she reached the end of her tether with Vicki’s chaotic ways.
During the scene, Pauline was left questioning where Vicki had been as she returned home late with Spencer Moon after bringing him home for a coffee.
Pauline insisted Spencer wasn’t welcome and when she caught Vicki out in a lie about her whereabouts, all hell broke loose.
Vicki then ranted: “Okay, so I went into town. Why didn’t I tell you? Because I knew you’d freak!
“Did I smoke? Did I take drugs? Did I have wild sex? Did I even come home that late?
Vicki was a core character in EastEnders in 2003 and 2004[/caption]
Vicki is back in town for Martin’s funeral[/caption]
“I don’t think so! But a paranoid old dragon like you is never going to believe that!”
Pauline was taken aback by Vicki “defying” her and the soap moment has since lived on and gone down in the EastEnders history books.
Upon hearing the news that Scarlett would not be back, some EastEnders fans were left utterly dismayed with one stating: “I cannot believe the legendary Vicki Fowler has been recast.”
Before someone else admitted: “Gutted they recast Vicki Fowler.”
Since leaving the Square in 2004, it was thought that Vicki has been living in Australia with Spencer Moon where they ran a bar.
So, when she arrives in Walford with a new man on her arm, it will come as a shock to both sister Sharon and Spencer’s brother Alfie, who had no idea they had split.
Scarlett created a long-lasting legacy for Vicki[/caption]
