EastEnders viewers think they have identified the person who attacked Joel Marshall (Max Murray) after the teen was hit over the head in a violent ordeal. The attack has left Walford's teenagers shaken, following a cruel prank that saw Joel restrained to a fence and doused with alcohol before he was found unconscious with a head injury.
Prank gone wrong
The prank was orchestrated by Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and involved Denzel (Jaden Ladega), Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), Ricky (Frankie Day), Lily (Lilia Turner), and Barney (Lewis Bridgeman). They bound Joel and left him isolated for 45 minutes until Will Mitchell (Freddie Phillips) intervened and insisted he be freed. Soon after, Joel was discovered unconscious.
Barney has been acting suspiciously, having his brother Harry (Elijah Holloway) retrieve a weapon used in the attack. Meanwhile, Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) has struggled to see her stepson in hospital, despite Joel attacking her last year and serving six months in prison.
Vicki's change of heart
On Tuesday (July 28), Vicki and her husband Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) visited Joel at his bedside. Ross revealed Joel was being discharged, leaving Vicki torn. She had previously said she did not feel safe living with Joel after he nearly killed her. However, she surprised everyone by saying, "It's okay, Joel," and inviting him to move back in. She added, "We won't let anyone touch you."
Fan theories
Despite her support, many EastEnders fans suspect Vicki of being the attacker, believing her actions stem from guilt. On Reddit, one viewer wrote: "I reckon Vicki attacked Joel." Another added: "Anyone think it was her? I honestly wouldn't be mad... maybe she feels guilty, like she is as bad as him now." A third commented: "That line annoyed me, it felt way too soon for Vicki to forgive Joel for nearly beating her half to death." Another said: "I guarantee she's the one who attacked him." One fan explained: "I got the feeling that the forgiveness wasn't very convincing and was hiding guilt. The way it's been written has been rushed so I don't believe everything is quite as it seems. This episode felt like Vicki was the one who hit Joel."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
