Vicki Fowler’s new love Ross shows dark side as she returns to EastEnders after 21 years

VICKI Fowler’s new love interest Ross Marshall shows his dark side in upcoming EastEnders scenes.

Ross – played by Alex Walkinshaw – arrived in Walford alongside a returning Vicki for her uncle Martin Fowler’s funeral.

BBC

Vicki Fowler’s partner Ross is set to show his dark side in EastEnders[/caption]

BBC

The two have arrived in Walford to attend Vicki’s uncle Martin Fowler’s funeral[/caption]

BBC

Will Vicki agree to stay in Walford?[/caption]

His presence comes as a shock to some residents – who believed Vicki was still with Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker).

Vicki and Ross are also accompanied by Ross’ teenage son, Joel.

In scenes yet to air, Ross attempts to make things right with Sharon by apologising for upsetting Alfie.

However, she soon makes it clear that she won’t be won over by smooth talking.

Ross later takes a mysterious phone call and makes it his mission to convince Vicki they should stay in Walford longer than planned.

He proves hellbent on keeping Vicki in Walford, despite her having booked flights home.

After being unable to convince her directly, he turns to manipulating Ian Beale.

Ross persuades him that Mark Junior, not Vicki, should be the one to step up for grieving Michelle.

Elsewhere, Vicki gets a call from Michelle, and it looks like Ross’s plan has worked.

Actor Alex Walkinshaw, 50, is the eighth alum from ITV police show The Bill to relocate to Walford from Sun Hill.

Some previous examples include Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) and Diane Parish (Denise Fox).

He also portrayed Adrian “Fletch” Fletcher on both Casualty and Holby City.

Speaking previously of his role as newcomer Ross, Alex said: “I am really excited as I’ve had so many friends on EastEnders throughout the years, and I always hear lovely things about it.

“The show is top draw drama and I can’t wait to get stuck in. Ross is a decent, hardworking family man, he always puts family first, and he is very in love with Vicki, but it’s not always plain sailing.”

Alex’s casting was announced last month, alongside that of Alice Haig as a recast Vicki Fowler and Max Murray as Joel.

Darkest soap storylines

Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…

EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) – Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca’s adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police.

Emmerdale: Holly’s drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) – In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale’s first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose.

Hollyoaks: Luke’s rape (2000) – Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap’s first male rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs – who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance.

Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) – Just a mere mention of ‘Richard Hillman’ is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it’s not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn’t.

Fans were thrilled by the news, as one wrote on X: “Alex Walkinshaw / Smithy from The Bill!!!! What great casting with various shows apart from The Bill he’s been involved with.”

Another added: “Alex Walkinshaw is perfect for EastEnders. He was incredible in the Bill.”

While a third remarked: “Great to see @WalkinshawAlex finally in EastEnders.

“Always thought it likely once The Bill finished and of course he was then great in Waterloo Road, Casualty and Holby #EastEnders.”

BBC

Ross is played by The Bill and Holby City legend Alex Walkinshaw[/caption]