Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) is on the warpath in EastEnders next week when unexpected information comes to light about the attack on Joel Marshall (Max Murray), prompting DC Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey) to launch a fresh investigation.
Joel's return sparks turmoil
Joel, who was jailed earlier this year for attacking stepmum Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), returned to Walford earlier this month after serving his time. His presence angered residents, particularly Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) and Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), who have experienced Joel's behaviour firsthand. Despite Joel claiming to have reformed, his past comments about women left others wary.
With Joel seemingly staying on the Square, Amy hatched a plan with fellow teens Avani, Denzel (Jaden Ladega), Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), Lily (Lilia Turner), Ricky (Frankie Day) and Barney (Lewis Bridgeman). They invited Joel to an end-of-term party, tied him to a fence, and humiliated him, filming the incident on their phones.
Attack and investigation
When Will Mitchell (Freddie Phillips) and Barney expressed concern, the others returned 45 minutes later to free Joel, only to find him unconscious with a severe head injury. DC Craig Ingram led the investigation, questioning the teens, who all professed innocence. Later, a spooked Barney asked Harry (Elijah Holloway) for help hiding a wrench, raising suspicions about his involvement.
Next week, Barney admits to Zack Hudson (James Farrar) that he saw Nugget acting suspiciously on the night of the attack. Meanwhile, Joel is discharged from hospital and returns to the Square. Despite reservations, Vicki suggests he move back in with her and Ross.
Parents confront the truth
Upcoming scenes show Vicki and Ross receiving an update on Joel's living arrangements, leaving Vicki suspicious. She shares her theory with Ross, who agrees, and they head to the Vic. There, they push Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) for answers, learning that other parents know more than they are letting on. Ross is staggered by the revelation and resolves to go to the police.
Kat and Alfie gather the parents together, and tensions escalate when Vicki and Ross get involved. Detective Craig arrives with an update for Vicki and Ross. The question remains: is he closer to identifying Joel's attacker?
Joel's surprising request
Joel makes a surprising request of his own, while Jack (Scott Maslen) asks Craig for a favour to protect Amy and Ricky. Later, Amy tries to get information from Craig about the investigation but fails. The truth about who attacked Joel remains hidden, and it is unclear who will uncover it.
