Vicki Still Traumatized as Joel Pleads Not Guilty

EastEnders fans are sounding off after a new twist involving Joel Marshall left them convinced they know exactly how his storyline will end — and many are far from impressed. Joel hasn’t appeared on-screen in over a month, but his shadow continues to hang over Walford after he violently attacked Vicki Fowler, leaving her with a collapsed lung and a broken arm.

Joel has now pleaded not guilty, a decision that sends Vicki spiraling. She agrees to attend The Vic’s quiz night to distract herself, but things only grow more tense when she ends up on the same team as Joel’s father Ross Marshall, whom she kicked out for ignoring the warning signs of his son’s behavior.

A Disturbing Laundrette Clash

The night takes another dark turn when Vicki notices worrying behavior from Chelsea Fox’s date, Damon. After discovering Damon is on the phone with his wife, she exposes him as a cheat in front of the pub. Chelsea shocks Vicki by saying she already knew he was married — and didn’t care.

Still shaken, Vicki follows Damon into the laundrette. A confrontation breaks out and Vicki pushes him, sending him crashing to the ground. The episode ends with Damon motionless, bleeding from a head injury. Vicki may now be pulled into another police nightmare, even as she awaits Joel’s trial.

Fans Rage at the Idea of an Off-Screen Trial

Viewers jumped onto Reddit to voice frustration that Joel’s legal battle may play out away from cameras. Many believe the show is preparing to wrap his arc off-screen, with a prison sentence expected.

One fan wrote:

“Why do Joel’s court appearances have to be off screen? Lazy.”

Another added:

“He’s got to be sent down anyway. Where would he live if not? He can’t walk the Square again.”

A third viewer admitted they would miss the actor, saying:

“I’m going to miss him, not gonna lie.”

Still, some are hopeful the storyline could take a dramatic turn involving past allegations and hidden victims:

“They’ll probably bring the SA victim back. Could be great episodes.”

A Controversial Legacy in Just Months

Played by Max Murray, Joel arrived in March and quickly became one of the most controversial characters in recent years. His time in Walford included:

▪ assaulting a woman on the tube
▪ showing explicit content to Tommy Moon
▪ shaming women for their romantic lives
▪ filming himself with Avani Nandra-Hart without consent

With Vicki facing new trouble and fans losing patience, speculation is growing that Joel’s next appearance may be his last.