A Family in Crisis

EastEnders is heading into some of its darkest territory yet as the Marshall family unravels under the weight of Joel’s violent behaviour. The shocking episode airing Thursday, October 9, saw Joel’s disturbing misogyny culminate in a brutal attack on his stepmother, Vicki Fowler.

Now, actor Alex Walkinshaw, who plays Ross Marshall, has shared what it was like to film the aftermath — describing the moment his character discovers what’s happened as a “nightmare scenario.”

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“He’s Heartbroken and Sickened”

Ross’s world collapses when he learns Vicki has been seriously injured. Speaking about the emotional storyline, Walkinshaw explained that Ross initially has no idea what’s taken place while he’s away trying to cool off after a heated argument with Joel.

“Ross isn’t there when Vicki is attacked because he’s gone to clear his head,” the actor said. “When he gets back, Vicki’s not there but her phone is, and things aren’t adding up. Then he gets the call to say she’s been taken to hospital.”

The truth quickly begins to dawn on him, though it’s almost too horrific to process.

“He’s scared to pursue that train of thought — he doesn’t want to believe Joel could be responsible,” Walkinshaw added. “He’s absolutely heartbroken. The woman he loves is in hospital, and the person he loves most in the world might have done it. It’s a nightmare.”

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Ross’s Guilt and Naïveté

Viewers have watched Joel’s toxic behaviour intensify over recent weeks, but Ross has struggled to see the warning signs. Walkinshaw admitted his character’s trust in his son blinded him to the danger until it was far too late.

“Ross has been really naïve,” he said. “He’s been giving Joel the benefit of the doubt and taking him at his word. Only now is he realising how serious things have become.”

The actor went on to explain how Joel’s exposure to online hate and extremist content has poisoned his worldview — a storyline that mirrors real-world concerns about radicalisation and misogyny.

“Ross doesn’t really understand the impact of social media,” he said. “He doesn’t know that algorithms feed you more of what you’re already watching. Joel’s been sucked into that world completely, and by the time Ross figures it out, it’s too late.”

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A Father’s Desperate Hope

Despite everything, Ross refuses to give up on his son. Walkinshaw revealed that Ross’s response to the attack will be torn between anger, guilt, and a desperate need to save Joel from himself.

“He’s brought Joel up on his own, and he’s been both a mate and a dad,” Walkinshaw shared. “But that line has blurred. Like most parents, you still see your child as that sweet little kid — it’s hard to accept that something might be deeply wrong with them. Ross does get there eventually, but he’s just too late. It’s tragic.”

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A Harrowing but Timely Storyline

The ongoing plot has sparked widespread conversation among EastEnders viewers, many praising the show for tackling the issue of toxic masculinity and online indoctrination with realism and empathy. The BBC soap has confirmed the story will continue to explore Joel’s radicalisation and the emotional fallout for Ross and Vicki as the community reacts to the shocking violence.

As Walkinshaw summed it up:

“It’s a nightmare for Ross — the worst thing any parent can imagine. He’s lost the son he thought he knew.”