Max Murray Speaks Out

EastEnders newcomer Max Murray has been earning praise for his fearless portrayal of Joel, a teenager whose disturbing opinions have unsettled viewers and characters alike. At just 18, Max admits the role has been “challenging,” but also a “joy” to perform alongside seasoned co-stars Alex Walkinshaw (Ross) and Alice Haig (Vicki Fowler).

Speaking at the National Television Awards, Max revealed how much he relies on the cast around him: “It’s challenging, but it’s a joy to work with these amazing actors, who I look up to very much.”

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A Controversial Storyline

Joel’s storyline has shocked Walford with its unapologetic dive into misogyny. Over the past few months, Joel has been vocal about his belief that women are “inferior” and only exist for reproduction. He even targeted Lily Slater, cruelly branding her a “sket” after she became pregnant.

These toxic views have been shaped by Joel’s time online, with his character clearly influenced by real-world internet figures. For EastEnders, it’s a bold choice to mirror a social issue that continues to make headlines.

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Support Behind the Scenes

Despite the heavy subject matter, Max has been surrounded by support. Alice Haig praised the young actor’s bravery: “It wouldn’t work without Max being brilliant; you’ve got to have a young actor who can take it on, he’s been so brave and fearless with the way he’s taken on the character.”

Alex Walkinshaw echoed the sentiment, pointing out that commitment and trust are vital for such a storyline: “If you think he’s terrible as a human being, he’s doing his job right. We’re all telling a story that will hopefully resonate—whether you want to be entertained, learn something, or recognize something real.”

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Reality Meets Fiction

Max also acknowledged the real-world inspiration behind Joel. With the rise of controversial online personalities, Joel represents how young men can be influenced by toxic content. For Max, it’s a “big responsibility”: “It’s a lot to get stuck into, but I’ve done the absolute best I can, with such an amazing team to look after me.”

This blend of entertainment and social commentary makes Joel’s arc one of the most important and unsettling storylines in EastEnders right now.

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Explosive Drama Ahead

The drama surrounding Joel is only set to escalate. Recently, Vicki pushed back after one of Joel’s sexist rants, but the teen crossed a line when he snapped back, suggesting she deserved a “proper slapping.” His shocking outburst left viewers horrified—and Vicki shaken.

Alice Haig teased that the fallout is far from over: “Hopefully she can do it before it’s too late…” The cryptic comment suggests that Ross may not yet know the full extent of Joel’s behavior.

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What Comes Next?

With tensions rising inside the family, the question now is whether Ross will discover the truth about Joel’s disturbing beliefs. Will Vicki come clean before Joel causes more damage? And how long can Joel continue down this dangerous path before Walford finally turns against him?

For fans, it’s clear that EastEnders is setting up a storyline that blends raw realism with high-stakes soap drama. Max Murray’s fearless performance, combined with the writers’ willingness to tackle such a divisive issue, ensures that Joel’s journey will remain one of the most talked-about plots of the year.