The mystery around Joel Marshall's hammer attack deepens as Barney Mitchell drops a bombshell confession on Avani Nandra-Hart. The teenagers have been living in fear since Joel was left badly hurt, with several of them worried police could focus on them after a revenge prank.
Avani opens up to Barney about her fears that she will be blamed. Instead of reassurance, Barney admits he hid the hammer used in the attack because he genuinely believed Avani was responsible. The confession leaves her reeling, and Barney later turns to Zack and comes clean, also revealing he saw Nugget Gulati acting suspiciously on the night of the attack.
Parents clash
Ross and Vicki grow convinced there is more to the story. After an update on Joel's living arrangements, Vicki tells Ross she cannot shake the feeling something is wrong, suggesting Joel may have pressured Avani into saying she was happy for him to remain in Albert Square. They head to Kat and Alfie Moon, and after seeing footage of the prank, they realise the other parents have been keeping quiet.
Ross is furious and declares he is prepared to go to the police. Kat and Alfie gather the parents, but the meeting descends into tense confrontations as every parent tries to protect their own child.
Police involvement
Jack Branning, worried about Amy and Ricky, asks fellow officer Craig for a favour, leaving Craig in an awkward position as Jack appears willing to blur the lines between detective and father. Barney formally gives a statement, and Craig later updates Ross and Vicki on developments. Joel then makes a surprising request, leaving those around him wondering what he plans next.
