Joel’s Shocking Comeback Shakes Walford

EastEnders has delivered a dramatic twist as Joel Marshall reappears on-screen for the first time in over a month — and his return proves that Vicki Fowler’s nightmare is far from over. Joel has been locked up in a detention centre ever since his brutal attack on Vicki, yet the latest iPlayer episode reveals that he intends to plead not guilty, sending fresh shockwaves through Walford and pushing Vicki into emotional freefall.

Her trauma escalates further this week when an unsettling encounter with Chelsea’s married date, Damon, causes her to panic — but Zack steps in just in time. The shared moment between them leads to an unexpected kiss, witnessed by a stunned Kathy, who senses trouble ahead.

Ross Steps In — and Hits a Wall

Vicki’s fragile state prompts Ross to take action. Still desperate to support his daughter despite their fractured relationship, he promises to intervene directly with Joel to avoid forcing Vicki into a traumatic courtroom showdown.

In Wednesday’s advanced episode, Ross visits Joel in the detention centre, only to be confronted with a chilling sight: Joel sporting a fresh black eye and an even colder attitude. Initially, Joel appears pleased to see his father — but the mood rapidly collapses when Ross gently raises the possibility of pleading guilty.

Joel’s reaction is instant and venomous. Not only does he reject the idea, but he also launches into the same misogynistic rhetoric that marked his earlier episodes, sneering that Vicki is some “mad feminist man-hater,” echoing extremist language that has defined his character.

Ross attempts to reason with him, emphasising the devastating impact on Vicki. Instead of remorse, Joel responds with hostility, accusing his father of betrayal. Realising he’s getting nowhere, Ross storms out of the visit, defeated and deeply shaken.

Vicki Breaks — and Ross Makes a Dangerous Promise

Back in Walford, Ross admits to Vicki that Joel has refused to budge. Vicki insists their relationship is beyond repair — emotionally and morally — but Ross refuses to accept that this is the end of the story. He confides in Harvey that he’s planning “a big gesture” to try and reach her, though he refuses to reveal what that means.

With Vicki spiralling, Ross grasping at unhelpful solutions, and Joel doubling down on his warped version of events, all three Marshalls are on collision courses.

What Comes Next?

Joel’s refusal to confess sets the stage for a traumatic trial. Vicki will be forced to relive her ordeal unless Ross takes drastic action — and the show hints that he might. But in Walford, big gestures often come with big consequences.