EastEnders’ new Vicki Fowler actress Alice Haig has very famous film star dad

Alice Haig has starred in BBC shows before, but you might also recognise her for her wild similarity to her actor dad

Newcomer Alice Haig had just made her debut on EastEnders as Vicki Fowler. While it’s a huge move for Alice it should come as no surprise – acting talent runs in the family.

Before Alice, 40, snapped up the role, Vicki was played by Scarlett Alice Johnson, who left the BBC soap in 2004. Now Vicki is back in the square, and new actress Alice looks very recognisable. While you might recognise her from her other TV work, she’s also the spitting image of her super famous dad. Alice is the daughter of David Haig, an actor and playwright who’s best known for his role as Bernard in Four Weddings and a Funeral.

David with daughter Alice and his other children in 2004(Image: 2004 Dave M. Benett)

Alongside penning plenty of successful plays, he has an incredibly long filmography with some very juicy roles and has even been honoured with an MBE for his work in the arts.. David, 69, starred alongside Rowan Atkinson in The Thin Blue Line, and has also had roles in huge shows including Doc Martin, The Thick of It, and Downton Abbey.

One of his most recognisable parts came in hit series K.i.l.l.i.n.g Eve, when he played Sandra Oh’s spy associate Bill – who was brutally murdered by Jodie Comer as assassin Villanelle. David is married to Julia Gray, who acts under the name of Jane Galloway, with the couple sharing five children together: Alice, Caroline, Fred, Harry and Connie.

Following in her dad’s footsteps, Alice trained as an actor at RADA, and has worked with the BBC before as journalist Sophie in the comedy Rain Dogs, and a nurse in This Is Going to Hurt. She also secured a role on Disney+ series Andor – a Star Wars spin-off – before announcing her Walford debut.

When Alice’s casting was announced, Alice made it clear she was ready to sink her teeth into Vicki and take her in a new direction after the character was MIA for decades. She said: “I am so excited. I have always watched the show, and I was born in February 1985, so I’m the same age as EastEnders! It’s so cool to be playing a character like Vicki – we think we know her, but a lot has changed. I can’t wait for all the Albert Square drama ahead.”

David Haig is Four Weddings and a Funeral with Sophie Thompson

Vicki left Walford to head to Australia back in the noughties, and returned in March 31’s episode of EastEnders following the d.e.a.t.h of her uncle Martin Fowler.

Martin, played by James Bye, d.i.e.d tragically during the show’s 40th anniversary last month after being injured in the Queen Vic explosion – just after he declared his love to Stacey.

Vicki isn’t alone in her return, and has brought with her a new boyfriend Ross, played by Alex Walkinshaw, and his son Joel, played by Max Murray.

Scarlett was reportedly offered the opportunity to return as Vicki but opted against the idea, and was more than happy for Alice to take over.

Her rep 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.”