EastEnders fans were left shaken after Thursday’s (October 9) disturbing episode, which saw Vicki Fowler brutally attacked by her stepson Joel Marshall. Now, actress Alice Haig has spoken out about her character’s shocking ordeal and her uncertain future in Walford.

“It’s a Really Difficult Time”

Appearing on Good Morning Britain ahead of the harrowing episode, Alice Haig discussed the emotional weight of the storyline and what lies ahead for Vicki. “We have the attack tonight, and really importantly, we are going to see it from the victim’s point of view,” she explained.

The actress praised the show for shifting the perspective away from the perpetrator. “There have been amazing dramas made about this subject already,” she said, “but they focus very much on the boy and his family. Here, we’re seeing the aftermath through Vicki’s eyes — her pain, her fear, and her loss of trust.”

Haig added, “Vicki has the wind completely knocked out of her sails. Her confidence in men is completely shot. She starts to look around and see misogyny everywhere, and that’s really difficult for her.”

Raising Awareness Through Storytelling

The star also reflected on the wider message behind the episode, describing it as one of EastEnders’ most important in years. “This story is all about talking to our children,” she said. “Not attacking them or lecturing them, but really talking to them about respect and behaviour. That feels like the most important takeaway.”

Thursday’s special episode delved into toxic masculinity and gender violence, showing Joel’s disturbing descent into hatred and aggression. His attack on Vicki followed weeks of warning signs — including showing an explicit video at school and assaulting Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd).

Vicki’s Fate Hangs in the Balance

As the episode ended, Vicki was left bloodied and motionless after Joel’s violent outburst, leaving fans questioning whether she will survive. While Alice Haig avoided confirming her character’s fate, she hinted that the aftermath will have lasting emotional consequences for everyone involved.

A Story That “Needs to Be Told”

The episode forms part of EastEnders’ ongoing exploration of modern masculinity and the dangers of online radicalisation among young men. Haig praised the writing team, saying the story “needs to be told, as hateful as it might be,” acknowledging the real-world relevance of Joel’s disturbing behaviour.

Whatever happens next, Vicki’s story has already sparked powerful conversations both on and off-screen — and Alice Haig’s performance has been widely praised for its raw authenticity and emotional depth.