EastEnders is set to welcome back three major characters, but one of them is set to cast a dark shadow over Albert Square. Next week will see Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) and Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) finally return from their honeymoon following their wedding last month. But unfortunately for them and many other residents, their arrival home coincides with the reappearance of evil Joel Marshall (Max Murray).
Joel Marshall's Release Sparks Fear
The teenage incel has been released from prison after serving a six-month sentence for violently attacking Vicki and leaving her for dead. The topic of his living situation had been a bone of contention between Vicki and Ross before their wedding, but Ross eventually promised her that he wouldn’t let Joel move back in with them upon his release. However, the newlyweds are challenged when he lands on their doorstep next Wednesday.
Awkward Encounter with Zack Hudson
Before Joel’s arrival, though, things get awkward when Vicki and Ross come face-to-face with Zack Hudson (James Farrar), who is still living with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) at No.43. Deciding that she cannot be under the same roof as him following the reveal of their affair at her wedding to Ross, Vicki announces that she and Ross will be moving into No.31 with Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and Mo Harris (Laila Morse). Sensing Ross’ upset, Zack volunteers to move out instead – but just as things are looking up, Joel appears with his estranged mum Cleo in tow.
Vicki's Fear and Avani's Fury
Vicki is shaken to see her attacker again, and tensions rise when Cleo tells Vicki, Ross and Sharon that she doesn’t want Joel to live with her. Vicki flees to the café where she shares her fears with Sharon, but she then faces some serious questions from Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James). After Joel recorded himself and Avani having sex without her consent, she is furious that he’s back in Walford and lets rip. But with Cleo not wanting Joel under her roof, will his unwelcome return end up being more permanent?
EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 13th July at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.
