A Dark Storyline Shaking Walford

The ongoing Joel Marshall arc has pushed EastEnders into some of its most disturbing territory yet. Played by newcomer Max Murray, Joel has been at the center of storylines touching on misogyny, toxic masculinity, and abuse. From assaulting a stranger on a train to leaking Stacey Slater’s intimate footage, the character has become one of Walford’s most hated villains.

Adding to the tension, his abusive relationship with Vicki Fowler — now played by Alice Haig — has left fans gripped, horrified, and eager to see justice served.

Alice Haig on Carrying the Weight

Speaking at the Inside Soap Awards, Alice admitted the intensity of the plot has been unlike anything she’s experienced before.
“Usually I can drop things at the end of the day,” she revealed. “But after a few weeks of carrying the weight of this story, I was starting to feel quite drained. I’m definitely looking forward to some light relief!”

Despite the emotional challenge, the actress praised the writing and the importance of tackling such difficult issues on screen. “It’s brilliantly mapped out,” she said. “I’m hoping audiences really take something from it.”

What Lies Ahead

Haig teased that the fallout from Joel’s actions will be even more demanding for her character, promising more hard-hitting drama. “These are the kinds of storylines that are not only important to tell but also a privilege for an actor,” she explained. “You get to dive into the dramatic stuff you dream of.”

Praise for Co-Star Max Murray

While Joel’s actions have horrified viewers, Alice was quick to praise her 18-year-old co-star Max Murray for his commitment to the role. “He’s such a nice guy in real life — nothing like Joel,” she said. “He’s taken it in his stride and had so much support from everyone at work. I think he’s nailing it.”

A Story That Demands Attention

The Joel Marshall storyline has sparked conversations about toxic masculinity and the dangers of online culture. For the cast, it has been emotionally draining. For viewers, it has been both uncomfortable and compelling. With Alice hinting that the toughest moments are yet to come, Walford isn’t likely to find peace anytime soon.