EastEnders is set to welcome back two familiar faces to Albert Square in the coming weeks, following Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) tragic death in the 40th anniversary live episode.
Martin was tragically killed when a beam fell on him after the explosion in the Queen Vic.
Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) remained by his side as he died from crush syndrome, as a result of rescue crews lifting the beam off him.
As Martin is laid to rest in upcoming scenes, viewers will see Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield) and Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) return to Walford to say their goodbyes.
But who are Bex and Vicki, and what are their connections to Martin and the Fowlers?
Who is Vicki Fowler?
Vicki Fowler is the daughter of Michelle Fowler and Den Watts, making her Martin’s niece.
She was the second baby to be born on the show, after Martin himself.
Mum Michelle’s teenage pregnancy was a huge storyline at the time, and has gone down in history, especially as it culminated in the revelation that Vicki’s father was best friend Sharon Watts’ (Letitia Dean) dad Den!
Vicki last appeared on our screens in 2004, when she moved away with Alfie Moon’s (Shane Richie) brother Spencer Moon.
The couple were last said to be running a bar together in Australia, but when Vicki returns for the funeral she has another man on her arm instead, which comes as a shock to both Alfie and Vicki’s half-sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).
Who played Vicki Fowler?
During her last tenure, Vicki was played by actress Scarlett Alice Johnson.
The actress has since gone on to star in shows like The Good Karma Hospital and Pramface, as well as making appearances in Call The Midwife and Casualty.
However, the role of Vicki is now set to be taken on by actress Alice Haig, who has previously appeared in Andor and Rain Dogs, among other projects.
Who is Bex Fowler?
Rebecca ‘Bex’ Fowler is the daughter Martin shared with Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy).
Born in 2000, her birth came as a huge shock to everyone, as 15-year-old Sonia had no idea that she was pregnant.
Dramatic scenes saw the Slaters help her deliver the baby on her sofa, while boyfriend Jamie Mitchell watched on in shock.
It was later revealed that Martin was Bex’s dad, before she was given up for adoption and raised away from Walford as Chloe.
After the deaths of Chloe’s adopted parents and grandmother, Martin gained full custody of his daughter, renaming her Rebecca.
Bex returned to Walford in 2014 to reunite with Sonia. In 2020, she left the Square to travel the world.
Who played Bex Fowler?
Bex has been played by a total of four actors over the years.
During her most recent tenure, actress Jasmine Armfield took on the role, taking over from young actress Jade Shariff.
Jasmine is set to reprise her role when Bex returns for Martin’s funeral.
EastEnders’ was Jasmine’s first TV role, but she has since gone on to appear in Doctors and Casualty, among other shows.
Who are Martin Fowler’s kids?
Bex is not Martin’s only child, though she is his eldest. In total, he has four biological children, and two adopted.
His second daughter, Hope Fowler, was born in 2017 to mum Stacey Slater, who already had daughter Lily and son Arthur from other relationships.
Martin went on to adopt both Lily and Arthur, with both children referring to him as ‘dad’.
In 2021, Martin was left devastated when Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) suffered a miscarriage. He named the baby Lulu during her memorial service.
Ruby went on to have a son, Roman Allen, though Martin wasn’t aware of his existence until Sharon found out that Ruby given birth during her stint in prison.
