Joel Marshall (Max Murray) quickly realises how difficult adapting to life in Walford is going to be in upcoming EastEnders episodes. The young man returned earlier this week after being released from prison. Initially, he planned to stay with his mum Cleo (Mazz Murray), but those plans fell through, forcing him to head back to Albert Square where his dad Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) lives with partner Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig).
Joel's troubled return
Viewers will remember that Joel attacked Vicki and put her in hospital. While he was behind bars, Vicki made it clear to Ross that their relationship would be severely impacted if Joel was released and came back into their lives. But with his mum refusing to look after him, Joel is forced to try and live alongside people he once targeted.
In upcoming episodes, while Ross attempts to secure his son a place at sixth form, Joel is at school and finds himself on the receiving end of anger from Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), Avani (Aaliyah James) and Amy (Ellie Dadd).
Conflict at home
Back at home, Vicki and Ross discuss their predicament, but the moment is cut short when Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) arrive and confront the pair. With the adults clashing over Joel's comeback, the youngster is seen alone. Realising that no one wants him around, he books a train ticket.
Joel is offered an olive branch the next day when Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) spots him helping Janet. Back at Number 31, Joel opens up about his struggles while in prison. However, the duo are interrupted by Jean Slater (Gillian Wright), Amy and Avani. Joel remains convinced he shouldn't be in Walford and decides to head to the tube station.
Ross's plea and teen revenge
Ross eventually catches up with his son and pleads for him to stay. In the week, Avani and Amy are furious to discover that Joel has decided to stick around. They develop a plan and lure Joel to the park for what he thinks are end-of-term celebrations. At the park, Joel arrives and quickly realises he's been tricked by the Walford teens. Together, they lock Joel to a fence and soak him in beer, filming the entire thing. Will anyone come to Joel's aid?
