A Family Shattered by Violence

The Marshall family is still struggling to recover from the fallout of Joel Marshall’s brutal attack on Vicki Fowler. When Vicki returned to Walford from Australia, it did not take long for neighbours to notice that something was deeply wrong. Behind closed doors, Vicki tried to keep the peace. She wanted to stop Joel from destroying their lives, but the situation spiralled until Joel turned on her with terrifying force.

Ross Marshall, heartbroken and horrified, reported his own son to the police. He hoped it would save Vicki and repair their relationship. Instead, Vicki pushed Ross away. The emotional damage was too severe, and she could not bear to be near anything that reminded her of Joel.

Joel Pleads Not Guilty — and Vicki Breaks

Vicki tries to rebuild her confidence. She used to be steady, sharp, and certain of herself. Now, she jumps at shadows, afraid of memories she cannot escape. Her fear intensifies when she learns that Joel will plead not guilty. Instead of closure, she now faces a public trial where she may have to relive every second of the assault.

Searching for distraction, Vicki agrees to attend a quiz night at The Vic and ends up on Ross’s team. The room is tense, but she begins to lower her guard. Then, Chelsea Fox’s date, Damon, triggers her panic. She overhears him on the phone to his wife and assumes the worst. Fueled by alcohol and trauma, she confronts him in front of the entire pub.

Things escalate at the laundrette, where Damon corners Vicki and unleashes a stream of verbal aggression. Vicki, pushed beyond her limit, shoves him, and he falls, hitting his head. Zack Hudson steps in and guides her to safety, but the incident exposes how fragile Vicki’s emotional state has become.

Ross Plans a Desperate Move

Ross sees Vicki unraveling and fears that she will never heal unless the trial ends. Determined, he visits Joel in a tense confrontation. Ross begs his son to change his plea to guilty and spare Vicki a courtroom showdown. The outcome of this encounter remains secret, but Ross returns home with a new resolve. He tells Vicki he is not giving up on her, no matter what.

A Love Triangle Takes Shape

Vicki shares a moment of passion with Zack, complicating her future even more. She now stands between two men who care for her deeply, though in very different ways.

If Joel continues to deny his crimes, Vicki may face her attacker in court. And if Ross’s plan fails, this trial could destroy what remains of her trust, her confidence, and her heart.

Where will Vicki turn next — to Ross, to Zack, or to herself?