Eastenders fans have been left reeling by Joel's shocking secret, and now the actor behind the character, Max Murray, is breaking his silence on the dramatic storyline.
In an exclusive interview, Murray confessed he was just as stunned as viewers when producers revealed his character's dark past. The revelation that Joel is the father of Johnny Carter's attacker has sent shockwaves through Albert Square.
'I was genuinely shocked when I found out,' Murray revealed. 'It's every actor's dream to get such meaty material, and it's been incredible to explore Joel's moral conflict and guilt.'
The dramatic twist has positioned Joel at the heart of one of Eastenders' biggest ongoing storylines - 'The Six' murder mystery. Murray's performance has drawn both criticism and sympathy from dedicated viewers, something the actor deeply appreciates.
'The fan reaction has been overwhelming,' he shared. 'People stop me in the street to share their theories. Some are furious with Joel, others feel sorry for him - that complexity is exactly what makes soap so powerful.'
Looking ahead, Murray remains tight-lipped about future developments but hints at more drama to come. 'There are definitely more layers to peel back with Joel. The fallout from this secret is far from over.'
As for working with the iconic Eastenders cast, Murray describes it as 'a masterclass in acting every single day' and praises the show's ability to tackle difficult social issues through compelling drama.
