Joel Marshall (Max Murray) has made an unwelcome return to EastEnders, sparking fury among fans and characters alike. The incel attacker, who committed a series of heinous crimes including upskirting, revenge porn, and sexual assault, is back on the Square just as Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) and Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) return from their honeymoon.
Joel's Dark History
Joel arrived from Australia with his father Ross and stepmother Vicki after being caught upskirting a schoolmate. The victim's parents agreed not to press charges in exchange for $50,000 and the family leaving the country. However, Joel's behavior worsened in Walford. He filmed himself having sex with Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) without her consent and uploaded the footage online to shame her. He also terrorized Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and sexually assaulted a commuter on the Tube.
His crimes culminated in a vicious attack on Vicki, knocking her unconscious and recording the assault while spitting insults. After his arrest, he pleaded not guilty, forcing Vicki and Avani to relive their trauma in court. His father eventually convinced him to change his plea to guilty, sparing them a trial.
Relationship Cracks
In the aftermath, Ross and Vicki's relationship nearly collapsed but they reconciled and got engaged. However, Vicki was horrified to learn Ross intended for Joel to live with them after his release. She demanded Ross choose between her and his son. Ross agreed Joel would live with his mother, and the wedding went ahead after Vicki's affair with Zack Hudson (James Farrar) was resolved.
Vicki and Ross return from their honeymoon next week. They first deal with the reality of living with Zack, who agrees to move out and not interfere. But the peace is short-lived.
Joel's Return
Joel shows up on their doorstep with his mother Cleo, who refuses to keep him. Vicki, distressed, flees to her sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), explaining she cannot bear to have Joel under her roof. Meanwhile, Avani, hearing of Joel's release and not placated by her mother Priya Nandra-Hart's (Sophie Khan-Levy) assurances he'd stay away, heads to confront Vicki alongside Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd).
The carnage Joel causes continues to pile up, with lasting ramifications expected for all involved.
