In dramatic EastEnders developments, Ross Marshall is making a desperate attempt to win back Vicki Fowler after their relationship shattered in the wake of his son Joel's violent misogyny storyline.
The Aftermath of Joel's Attack
The situation reached a terrifying climax when Joel Marshall, played by Max Murray, turned his anger toward Vicki Fowler, violently attacking her. Though Ross, portrayed by Alex Walkinshaw, did the right thing by reporting his own son to police, Vicki ultimately kicked him out, unable to process living with any connection to Joel.
Vicki, played by Alice Haig, is now struggling to piece her life back together, with psychological scars from the brutal attack remaining very much open. The trauma resurfaces next week when she learns Joel plans to plead not guilty at his upcoming trial.
Triggering Events and New Tensions
Attempting to find some normality, Vicki agrees to attend the quiz at The Vic, where she unexpectedly comes face to face with Ross. Though initially icy, they end up on the same team and she gradually warms to his presence.
The evening takes a dramatic turn when Vicki becomes triggered by the behaviour of Chelsea Fox's date, Damon. Alice Haig explained: "Vicki notices Damon very quickly and from her perspective, he's all over Chelsea and seems untrustworthy. When she later hears him on the phone to his wife, she gets what she believes is confirmation that she's right about him, and she snaps."
The conflict escalates at the laundrette, becoming physical when Vicki shoves Damon, causing him to fall and hit his head. Though Zack Hudson steps in to help, Ross remains deeply concerned about Vicki's state of mind.
Ross's Desperate Plan
Despite Vicki and Zack later giving in to passion, Ross devises a plan to win her back. He visits his toxic son Joel, determined to convince him to plead guilty and spare Vicki the trauma of a court case.
While the outcome of their confrontation remains under wraps, Ross returns home to tell Vicki he won't give up on their chance of reuniting.
Alice Haig commented on the significance of Joel's plea: "If Joel had pleaded guilty, she would have been able to put the incident in the past. Even though she would still be suffering with trauma, at least she wouldn't have to relive what happened all over again in court."
Meanwhile, Ross makes a grand gesture to remind Vicki of their good times together, but she remains unimpressed - possibly due to her burgeoning connection with Zack.
The love triangle continues to develop, with Alice noting: "Zack and Ross have such different energies and characters, but they're also both really great men. I can completely understand why Vicky might be torn between them."
