EastEnders spoilers tease the possible return of violent villain Joel Marshall, with Walford residents on edge as his prison release approaches. Portrayed by Max Murray, Joel was last seen in January as his trial began for brutally assaulting his stepmother Vicki Fowler, played by Alice Haig.
Joel's Violent Attack and Sentence
Joel attacked Vicki after she confronted him for sharing an explicit clip of classmate Amy Mitchell and striking her. The assault left Vicki with a punctured lung and a fractured arm. This was the culmination of months of sexist behaviour. In court, Joel was so confident of acquittal that he told his father Ross he wanted a takeaway afterwards. He was sentenced to six months in prison.
Joel also recorded a sexual encounter with Avani Nandra Hart (Aaliyah James) without her consent, leaving her heartbroken. When Avani discovered she was pregnant, she chose to terminate the pregnancy, causing tension between the families.
Avani and Priya React to News of Joel's Release
In upcoming episodes, Avani's mother Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) is rattled after learning Joel will be freed from the young offenders' facility shortly. She tries to comfort Avani, saying Joel will live elsewhere. However, with Ross and Vicki now married and living on the Square, it is unclear whether Joel will stay away.
Vicki previously told Ross she would support his decision regarding Joel's release but made it clear she did not want Joel back in her home. Ross promised to find alternative accommodation, but it remains to be seen if he will leave his only son without a place to stay.
Ravi Gulati's Struggles
Seeking support, Avani insists on visiting her father Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) at the psychiatric hospital, but becomes suspicious when he declines. Ravi recently ended his relationship with Priya after a heated encounter, telling her: "How I need to set you free and let you go so I can finish the healing without you. I'm so sorry - I thought you knew it was goodbye. I'm not healed, I'm not healed! You will be so much happier without me."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
