EastEnders has revealed the real reason why Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) is so desperate for money.

Retuning to Walford ahead of her uncle Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral earlier this week, it soon became clear that to viewers of the BBC One soap that she wasn’t just there to support her family.

Firstly, half-sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) had questions about the whereabouts of her long-term partner Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker) when they reunited.

With a new man on her arm – Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw), and his son Joel (Max Murray) in tow, it became clear that Vicki’s life had drastically changed in the last few years.

She explained that Spencer had been unfaithful to her, but after his brother Alfie (Shane Richie) reached out, it was confirmed that the shoe was on the other foot.

Ross was his best mate, but had been sleeping with Vicki.

Fuelled with anger, Sharon asked her sister not to tell anymore lies. But this was just the beginning!

Once alone, Vicki and Ross discussed having somewhat of a financial predicament, with him asking her to find a cash source – and quick!

Tensions ran high between Vicki and sister Sharon Watts (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

After attempting to ask Sharon for the money, Vicki was left guilt-ridden and had to come up with an alternative solution. Luckily for her, wealthy cousin Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) was on hand, and he agreed to consider coughing up the money.

What she wasn’t prepared for was Sharon finding out, who was offended that her sister had turned to someone else rather than ask her directly.

Vicki managed to wriggle her way out of the awkward situation, but it wasn’t long before her mum Michelle contacted Sharon and told her the shocking truth.

They weren’t Vicki’s debts – they were Ross’.

In tonight’s episode, Sharon asserted that she was sick of being lied to – comparing Vicki to their devious father Dirty Den – and wanted to know the ins and outs of the dilemma before she helped them.

Explaining that Ross’ ex-wife had put him through a bitter divorce settlement, he had to turn to the ‘wrong people’ to borrow from. These dodgy folk are now demanding he pays up.

Tensions began to rise as Sharon attempted to slap Vicki.

Later, the gravity of the situation sunk in and Sharon agreed to support them both. She’ll provide $50,000, and accept it returned in instalments.

There was one condition, though. If Ross was to upset Vicki, she’d come at his.. err… downstairs… with a knife!

Honestly, we think she meant it.

Joel has landed his family in hot water (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

However, there were bigger shocks to come, as Ross sat down with teenage son Joel for a chat in the Square Gardens.

He was innocently playing a game of footy with Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall), but had been called over by his dad to ensure he didn’t spill a disturbing secret.

The debts aren’t a fault of Ross’ financial mismanagement, but rather it’s because of Joel that he’s in these troubles.

Sharon watched on from afar, clearly suspicious.

But what has Joel done, and when will the total truth out?