EastEnders fans have branded a rising star a ‘generational talent’’after Joel Marshall attacked Vicki Fowler in ‘upsetting’ scenes.

It was a big day on the BBC soap on Thursday (October 9), with a documentary titled Eastenders: The Manosphere released.

Following months of the wayward teenager displaying traits of toxic masculinity, the documentary saw members of the Albert Square cast meeting individuals whose lives were turned upside down by the effects of misogyny and discovering those who are trying to change the narrative.

Released early on the iPlayer and scheduled to air later in the evening on BBC Three, the documentary was presented by Diane Parish, Max Murray and Ellie Dadd, best known for playing Denise Fox, Joel and Amy Branning.

After teasing a groundbreaking episode for several weeks, viewers learned what Joel did on a dramatic night in Walford.

Joel and Tommy Moon got into trouble for showing an explicit adult video to their classmates in school after hacking into a teacher’s laptop.

However there was major fallout after he hit Amy after she confronted him about how he has been looking at her in recent months.

Despite defending his son initially to the other Walford parents, Ross Marshall confronted Joel when they returned home.

With Joel mocking his dad, Vicki sent Ross out of the house before she began to call him out for his misogynistic views.

“You know what you can take your toxic masculinity and go and live with your mum.. It is all a power trip and you know it. You get off in making women feel small. That’s why you told me I needed a good slap. That’s not wrong? That’s not disgusting?

“Do you know how pathetic that is? How weak that makes you? You are just a scared little boy who throws a tantrum when he doesn’t get his own way and it doesn’t matter what you hear on your stupid little videos because my eyes are open and I can see the truth.

“You will never be a real man because you don’t even know what it means. You’re a pathetic little beta male, a silly little twerp. And you should feel embarrassed, you should feel humiliated because I am so much stronger than you,” she said.

In a shocking escalation, Joel proceeded to punch Vicki to the floor, filming and mocking her as she attempted to get up.

Following the heavy scenes, EastEnders fans took to X, previously known as Twitter, to praise Joel actor Max and Vicki actress Alice Haig.

@RyanJL said: “A powerful, disturbing and important episode of #EastEnders today. The show really struck gold with Alice Haig and Max Murray. Those final scenes were really chilling.” @tiffraymonds added: “Max Murray is a generation talent and Alice Haig I have no words whattt a episode #EastEnders.”

@griefsex wrote: “max murray, what an actor! i felt visceral anger towards joel the whole episode. i think ee did such a good job of showing all sides of societal attitudes towards misogyny. it’s usually treated as a bit of banter until it gradually turns into real violence #EastEnders.” @janinebutchers posted: “i think max murray is doing a fantastic job as joel btw. he’s so convincing and honestly makes my skin crawl whenever he opens his mouth.”

@TVAddict2025 commented: “Fantastic and really well-constructed episode today. Great to see a good chunk of cast involved but the stars were of course Alice Haig and Max Murray. Those final scenes were so upsetting. #EastEnders.” @E20AfterDark stated: “Bloody hell…today is one of THOSE eps. Fantastic performances by Max Murray and Alice Haig and a brilliant script by Kevin Rundle.”