The mystery of Joel Marshall's hammer attack in EastEnders takes another dramatic turn next week when Barney Mitchell drops a bombshell that leaves Avani Nandra-Hart reeling. The teenagers have been living in fear since Joel was seriously injured, with several fearing police suspicion after they humiliated him in a revenge prank.
Still shaken, Avani confides in Barney about her fear of being blamed for the attack. Instead of reassurance, Barney admits he hid the hammer used in the assault because he genuinely believed Avani was responsible. The revelation stuns Avani, revealing how convinced Barney had become of her guilt.
Barney's confession and new lead
Unable to bear the weight of his secret, Barney later turns to Zack and confesses fully, revealing he also saw Nugget Gulati acting suspiciously on the night of the attack. This potentially gives the investigation a fresh lead, though whether it's a genuine clue or another twist in the complicated case remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Ross and Vicki grow increasingly suspicious. After learning about Joel's living arrangements, Vicki suggests Joel may have pressured Avani into saying she was happy for him to remain in Albert Square. They confront Kat and Alfie Moon, only to discover footage of the prank reveals the other parents have been hiding the truth about events before the attack.
Parents' meeting erupts
Ross is furious and threatens to go to the police with what he knows. Kat and Alfie hastily gather the parents to align their stories, but the meeting spirals into tense confrontations as each parent tries to protect their child. The situation escalates, leaving everyone on edge.
Jack's dilemma and Joel's request
With the investigation closing in, Jack Branning worries about Amy and Ricky's involvement. He asks fellow officer Craig for a favour, blurring the lines between detective and father, putting Craig in an awkward position. Elsewhere, Barney formally gives a statement, and Craig later updates Ross and Vicki on the latest developments.
Just when the case seems most complicated, Joel makes a surprising request, leaving everyone wondering what he's planning next. The fallout continues as the truth slowly emerges, with each confession and new clue reshaping the investigation.
