Joel Is Back – And the Dark Secret Behind His Return Could Change Walford Forever!

EastEnders’ violent teenage incel Joel Marshall (Max Murray) may have been locked up for some time now, but he has continued to cast a dark shadow over Walford.

And unfortunately, things are about to get a lot worse for many residents next week when major news about him reaches the Square.

Earlier this year, twisted Joel was sent down for violently attacking his stepmum Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) in their family kitchen and leaving her for dead.

Her attack came after months of disturbing behaviour from Joel, which included sexually assaulting a passenger on the tube and recording himself and Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) having sex without her consent.

Avani was left distraught when she discovered she’d been the victim of Joel’s crimes, and later found the courage to give evidence against him during his trial for Vicki’s assault.

With Joel having only received a short sentence after already serving time in a young offenders institute while awaiting his court date, his release is now impending.

In forthcoming scenes, Avani’s mum Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan-Levy) is shaken when she hears the disturbed teen is due to be released, and tries to reassure her daughter that he won’t be returning to the Square.

The topic of his living situation had been a bone of contention between Vicki and Joel’s dad, Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) before their wedding last month.

With Vicki still terrified by Joel following her attack, Ross ended up promising his bride that he wouldn’t let Joel move back in with them upon his release.

However, actor Max Murray, who plays Joel, was previously confirmed to be reprising his role for a new stint back in May.

So, with Joel’s return to Walford guaranteed, what will it mean – not just for Avani – but for Vicki and Ross’ marriage?

EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 29th June at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.