EastEnders Star Alex Walkinshaw Teases Hope for Ross and Vicki Reunion After Joel’s Brutal Attack
EastEnders fans might not have seen the last of Ross Marshall and Vicki Fowler’s romance. Actor Alex Walkinshaw has hinted that his character could find a way back to Vicki — despite their painful split and the devastation caused by Ross’s son, Joel.
The Aftermath of Joel’s Attack
Viewers watched in horror last month as Joel, Ross’s troubled teenage son, violently attacked his stepmother Vicki in one of EastEnders’ most harrowing storylines of the year. The assault came after weeks of mounting tension, exposing Joel’s misogynistic behaviour and the toxic online influences that fed it.
Vicki was rushed to hospital, and while she recovered physically, the emotional scars cut deep. Furious that Ross had tried to protect Joel instead of confronting the truth, she ended their relationship — leaving both characters broken and questioning their future.
Ross at Rock Bottom
In the wake of the attack, Ross’s world collapsed. With Joel now in a detention centre, he’s been forced to pick up the pieces of his life in Walford — even finding temporary refuge with Ian and Kathy Beale and Harvey Monroe.
Speaking to Inside Soap, Alex admitted that Ross is still reeling from guilt and loss.
“I think they are genuinely in love with each other,” he said. “Joel has put an impossible strain on their relationship, and it’s whether they can navigate their way through the damage and the chaos that he has caused.”
A Vital Storyline About Modern Parenting
Alex also reflected on the importance of Joel’s storyline, explaining that Ross’s inability to understand his son’s online world played a major part in the tragedy.
“He’s not technically savvy, he’s not a social media person, so Joel’s behaviour is all alien to him,” Alex said. “He’s not aware of the pressure, the repetitive nature, or the bombardment that people get from whatever they choose to look at online.”
The actor praised the soap for tackling the issue of digital radicalisation and the dangers of toxic online culture, calling it “a vital story to tell in today’s world.”
Could Love Find Its Way Back?
Despite the heartbreak, Alex teased that Ross and Vicki’s story might not be over. While Vicki is still healing, their love — and shared grief — could ultimately pull them back together.
“There’s definitely still something there,” he said. “It’s just whether they can ever rebuild trust after everything Joel has done.”
Ross’s future in Walford also looks promising. Alex joked that his character could easily find new work — and purpose — on the Square.
“He lives on a great big square full of homeowners and there’s a few quid floating round the place,” he laughed. “You’ve only got to tap up Ian Beale for a bit of work, so as a builder, Ross could be involved. I’d love to be around for a while!”
What’s Next for Ross and Vicki?
With Joel’s trial looming and tensions still simmering in Walford, the road ahead won’t be easy. But fans are hopeful the couple can find their way back to each other — even as the community continues to deal with the fallout of Joel’s actions.