Hold onto your hats, Walford watchers, because the arrival of Vicki Fowler’s charming new boyfriend, Ross, might just be the calm before a storm of epic proportions! While newcomer Alex Walkenshaw, the man behind the enigmatic Ross, initially paints a picture of a devoted partner, a closer look – and some tantalizing hints from the actor himself – suggests a far more complex and potentially sinister individual lurking beneath the surface. Could Ross be Albert Square’s next big bad, and is Vicki completely oblivious to the darkness he might be concealing?
Walkenshaw, a familiar face to British television viewers through his roles as the dependable Smithy in “The Bill,” the troubled Jez in “Waterloo Road,” and the affable Fletch in “Holby City,” reveals that his journey to Walford has been a long time coming. In a recent interview, the actor confessed to being considered for the role of a Moon brother in the past, a near-miss that made his eventual casting as Vicki’s love interest all the more significant. He even joked about being the “only London actor who had never done an episode” of the iconic soap, highlighting his excitement at finally stepping into the bustling world of the East End.
But beneath the surface of Walkenshaw’s enthusiasm lies a tantalizing ambiguity about his new character. When quizzed about the nature of Ross’s relationship with Vicki, particularly in light of their controversial beginnings – their romance blossoming after seemingly betraying Spencer – Walkenshaw offers a nuanced perspective. He suggests that their unconventional start implies a deep and genuine connection, a mutual desire strong enough to risk the disapproval of those around them. He even draws a parallel to the legendary, albeit volatile, pairing of Den and Angie Watts, noting the intense dynamic between Ross and Vicki, capable of both fierce arguments and tender reconciliations. With Vicki being Den’s daughter, this comparison carries a weighty implication, hinting at a potentially turbulent and unpredictable relationship.
However, it’s when the conversation delves deeper into Ross’s true nature that the first cracks in his seemingly affable facade begin to appear. Walkenshaw acknowledges similarities between Ross and his previous, often more grounded, characters. He points to Ross’s strong sense of family, a trait he shares with Fletch. He also highlights Ross’s backbone and his willingness to stand up for himself, a characteristic reminiscent of the steadfast Smithy. Yet, he crucially adds that “it’s still early days for Ross,” leaving ample room for the character to evolve – or perhaps, devolve – into something far less virtuous.
The actor then drops a significant bombshell, hinting at a duality within Ross that suggests a hidden agenda. While acknowledging Ross’s genuine care for Vicki and his awareness of not being the most popular figure in Walford, Walkenshaw reveals that his character harbors an “ulterior motive.” This revelation immediately casts a shadow over Ross’s seemingly sincere affections for Vicki. What could this hidden agenda be? Is he using Vicki for some unknown purpose? Could his arrival in Walford be driven by something far more calculating than love?
The interview further fuels this suspicion by stating that Ross is “on the hunt for some cash and is a bit desperate.” This paints a picture of a man potentially driven by financial woes, making him susceptible to morally questionable actions. Could his relationship with Vicki, or perhaps her connections within the Square, be a means to an end? Is he looking to exploit her or her family for his own gain? The comparison to Den and Angie takes on a darker hue in this context, suggesting a potential for manipulation and deceit within their relationship.
Perhaps most tellingly, when asked if he would like to play a bad boy, Walkenshaw’s response is an emphatic, “I wouldn’t say no!” This eagerness to explore a darker side to his character, coupled with the earlier hints about Ross’s manipulative tendencies, strongly suggests that the seemingly charming newcomer might have a villainous streak just waiting to be unleashed. He further emphasizes his commitment to whatever “EastEnders throws at me,” implying that he is ready and willing to embrace a more nefarious portrayal of Ross if the storyline demands it.
So, what could Ross’s dark agenda entail? Could he be connected to some shadowy figures from Vicki’s past, or perhaps even a new threat lurking in the shadows of Walford? Is his desperation for cash linked to something sinister, like a dangerous debt or a criminal enterprise? And most importantly, is Vicki completely unaware of the potential danger she has welcomed into her life?
The parallels drawn to Den and Angie, while initially hinting at a passionate but volatile relationship, could also foreshadow a darker dynamic of manipulation and control. Could Ross be subtly isolating Vicki from her friends and family, mirroring some of Den’s more manipulative tendencies? Is his charm a carefully constructed facade to hide his true intentions?
The fact that Ross and Vicki’s relationship began with a perceived betrayal of Spencer adds another layer of suspicion. It suggests a willingness on both their parts to act in a way that could be seen as morally ambiguous. Could this shared history be a breeding ground for further deceit and manipulation?
As Ross settles into Walford, viewers will undoubtedly be watching his every move with increasing suspicion. Is his affection for Vicki genuine, or is it merely a means to an end? What is the source of his desperation for cash, and what lengths will he go to in order to obtain it? Could he become the next great villain of Albert Square, orchestrating chaos and heartbreak behind Vicki’s unsuspecting back?
One thing is clear: Alex Walkenshaw’s arrival as Ross promises to be anything but straightforward. With hints of a hidden agenda, financial desperation, and the actor’s own eagerness to embrace a darker side, the charming newcomer could very well be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Vicki Fowler, having already navigated her fair share of drama, may unknowingly be walking into a dangerous situation, and the consequences could be devastating for her and the residents of Walford. Keep your eyes peeled, because Ross’s true colors are likely to be revealed in dramatic fashion, and the truth might just shatter everything Vicki thought she knew. The East End is bracing itself for a potential new villain, and his name is Ross.
