EastEnders fans have spotted an intriguing detail about new characters Ross and Joel.
Over the weekend, it was revealed a recast Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) would be returning to Walford following the death of her uncle Martin Fowler (James Bye) in last week’s live episode.
However, she won’t be alone as she will be joined by her new partner Ross and his son Joel, played by former The Bill and Holby City actor Alex Walkinshaw and newcomer Max Murray.
Ross and Joel’s arrival will be a shock to Vicki’s half-sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), as Vicki was last heard to be living in Australia with Alfie’s brother Spencer (Christopher Parker).
Following the news, some fans noticed how Ross and Joel had not been given surnames in the official BBC announcement and wondered if that could tease a potential link they already have to some other Walford locals.
On Reddit, one fan posted: ‘I’ve seen a few comments of people questioning why Ross and Joel “don’t have surnames”. Do we think there’s more to it or it’s just because they haven’t been introduced or featured in the credits yet?
‘I don’t think he’s Vicki’s son so not sure they would do a ‘real father’ twist with him? So maybe they just haven’t revealed the surname yet.’
Another wrote: ‘We were all caught off guard with the new Mitchells, so being EE, I hope these aren’t new Brannings or Slaters! Lol. It will be good to have real new blood on the Square.’
However, one fan then claimed: ‘Joel’s actor put in his Instagram bio that he will be playing as “Joel Marshal”. Edit: He has since removed this. I wonder why?’
Speaking about his character, Alex described Ross as ‘a decent, hardworking family man’.
He added: ‘He always puts family first, and he is very in love with Vicki, but it’s not always plain sailing.’
Vicki – the daughter of Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully) and Den Watts (Leslie Grantham) – was last seen in Walford in 2004.
Scarlett Alice Johnson was the last actress to play her, but upon her return to Albert Square, she will be played by Alice Haig.
EastEnders’ executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: ‘Vicki is back under the most tragic of circumstances, representing her distraught mum Michelle, and she’s changed a lot since we last saw her.
‘We’re excited to let viewers get reacquainted with Vicki and to introduce Ross and Joel to the Square. It won’t be long before Vicki and this new branch of the Fowler family are making waves in Walford.’
