EastEnders star Alice Haig has opened up about the real reason behind Vicki Fowler's affair with Zack Hudson, as the character prepares to marry Ross Marshall. In tonight's episode, Vicki and Ross are set to walk down the aisle, but tensions rise as Zack tries to sabotage the wedding.
Vicki's Struggle with Guilt
Alice Haig revealed that Vicki is trying to put Zack behind her but struggles with guilt over the affair. 'She wants so much for it to be the perfect wedding and this is hanging over her, this dishonesty,' Haig said. 'I think she feels like she can't fully embrace it.' Vicki confides in her aunt Kathy Beale, who is the first to learn about the affair.
The Connection to Joel's Attack
Haig explained that Vicki's attraction to Zack is tied to her trauma from Ross's son Joel, who brutally attacked her and posted the video online. 'A part of what drew her to Zack was him being not linked to Joel,' Haig noted. 'It was about her regaining some kind of control over her life and her body after everything that happened with Joel.' Ultimately, Vicki loves Ross and wants to marry him.
Fan Reactions and Incest Concerns
The affair has sparked mixed reactions, with some fans expressing discomfort due to Vicki and Zack sharing a sister, Sharon Watts. Haig addressed these concerns: 'There's a group of audience that really don't like the Zack thing because of the incest side of it. But obviously they're not related and they never knew each other growing up or that they shared a sister!'
Support from Family
While some fans hoped for Sharon's return, Haig noted that Kathy steps up to support Vicki. 'She's sorting out the marquee, she's organising the flowers, she's got a clipboard, she's ready,' Haig said. Vicki's brother Mark will also be by her side, forming a tight-knit family group for the wedding.
Wedding Day Drama
Despite Vicki's readiness to marry Ross, the wedding day does not go smoothly. Ross develops doubts, and Zack's actions lead Ross to discover the affair at the altar. 'Zack is still pushing for Vicki, and he starts to drip a little bit of poison in Ross' ear,' Haig revealed. 'Two and two start to add up to four for Ross.' The revelation causes panic, but viewers will have to wait to see how Vicki responds.
