EastEnders Confirms Devastating Joel Update as Vicki Faces New Heartbreak
EastEnders is set to deliver another emotional week on the Square as the fallout from Joel Marshall’s violent attack on his stepmum Vicki Fowler continues to tear families apart.
Joel Refuses to Take Responsibility
Viewers recently watched in horror as teenager Joel (Finley Glasgow) assaulted Vicki, leaving her hospitalised and traumatised. Despite being reported by his own father Ross, Joel’s upcoming court hearing brings even more pain — as he decides to plead not guilty.
The news devastates Vicki, who has been struggling to process both the attack and the emotional wreckage left behind. When she confronts Ross, he insists he’ll do everything he can to persuade Joel to change his plea.
But as Ross walks the difficult line between protecting his son and supporting Vicki, the situation only becomes more complicated.
Ross Tries to Mend Broken Bonds
In an unexpected turn, Ross and Vicki are thrown together for Alfie’s quiz night at The Vic. The lighthearted setting brings an uneasy truce between the estranged pair, and for a moment, they share the sense of closeness that once bound them.
Later, Ross visits Joel in prison, begging him to plead guilty and spare Vicki the agony of testifying. Having recently begun to thaw their icy relationship, Ross hopes this act of compassion might help him rebuild the life he destroyed.
But when he tries to make a grand romantic gesture, it backfires — badly.
Vicki Turns to Zack for Comfort
Still haunted by the attack, Vicki finds herself unable to forgive or forget. Opening up to Zack Hudson (James Farrar) about the trauma she’s been burying, she finally lets her guard down.
What starts as emotional support soon turns into something more — and the pair share an unexpected kiss.
The moment leaves viewers wondering: is Vicki acting out of vulnerability, or could this be the start of a surprising new romance?
What’s Next for the Fowlers?
As EastEnders heads deeper into winter, the tension surrounding Joel’s case is set to escalate. With Ross’s loyalties divided, Vicki’s trust shattered, and Joel refusing to face justice, the Marshall–Fowler family stands on the brink of collapse.
But with Zack now stepping into Vicki’s life at her lowest point, there may be a new source of strength — or fresh heartbreak — waiting in the shadows of Albert Square.