EastEnders Exit: Vicki Fowler Flees Walford After Brutal Attack — While Two More Locals Plan Their Own Escape

There’s heartbreak and upheaval in EastEnders once again, as another Walford resident decides to flee Albert Square in the aftermath of a shocking attack — and two others make plans to get away too.

The latest episode saw Vicki Fowler (Scarlett Alice Johnson) struggling to cope following her violent assault at the hands of her stepson Joel Marshall (Max Murray). The disturbing incident, which left her bruised and traumatised, has torn apart her relationship with Joel’s father, Ross (Chris Coghill), who continues to defend his son’s behaviour.

Sharon and Kathy Step In to Help

After weeks of turmoil, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) stepped up to help Vicki recover — by encouraging her to leave Walford for a while.

During Thursday’s (October 16) episode, Sharon and Kathy revealed that they had arranged a short trip for the three of them to the Lake District, hoping some time away would help Vicki heal both physically and emotionally.

Three women, one with a bruised face and arm sling, talk while sitting on a bench.

“Being in the house where it happened — it’s not going to help you heal, darling,” Sharon told her devastated sister.

Kathy added softly, “Yeah, a few days away, a bit of fresh air… it’ll do us all the world of good.”

Although touched by their support, Vicki seemed taken aback by the decision, saying she wished they’d consulted her first.

Vicki Still Torn Over Ross

Despite the horrifying ordeal, Vicki admitted she still has feelings for Ross — even after he was thrown out of Sharon’s home for defending Joel.

Joel and Vicki Fowler talking on a staircase.

“I can’t just switch off my feelings,” she confessed, still reeling from the betrayal. But both Kathy and Sharon urged her to focus on herself for once, reminding her that Ross’s choices and his son’s actions are not her responsibility.

Their insistence that she get away marks a pivotal turning point for Vicki, who has spent years putting others’ needs ahead of her own.

A Temporary Goodbye — or Something More?

Vicki’s departure to the Lake District follows reports that actor Max Murray (Joel) is set to exit EastEnders as his radical misogyny storyline reaches its conclusion. With Joel behind bars and Ross spiralling, Vicki’s break from the Square could signal the start of a new chapter — or a heartbreaking permanent exit.

Vicki Fowler and Ross embracing.

Meanwhile, Sharon and Kathy’s decision to accompany her gives both women a chance to escape their own Walford pressures — from Sharon’s ongoing family chaos to Kathy’s complicated love life.

What’s Next in Walford

As Vicki prepares to leave, EastEnders fans are left wondering what will become of Ross once he’s left alone to face the consequences of defending his violent son.

Will he finally see Joel for who he really is — or follow Vicki north to make amends?

Either way, this emotional storyline promises to shake up life in Walford once again.