What happens next in EastEnders after Joel films vile attack on Vicki?
EastEnders has aired one of its most harrowing episodes ever, as Joel Marshall (Max Murray) viciously assaulted his dad’s partner Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig).
She’d been left alone in the house with Joel when Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) walked out to stop himself making a regretful move.
Just moments before, he’d pushed the teen against the kitchen door and went to throw a punch, utterly disgusted at the vile, misogynistic ideologies his son was spouting.
Vicki attempted to cool the situation before his return, but Joel was eager to continue his argument, calling her ‘barren’ and saying that she had failed in her duty to become a mother.
He first took his anger out on the living room wall, but things would soon escalate when the two walked in the kitchen.
Whenever Vicki spoke, Joel shook his head and refused to listen to her. What she didn’t anticipate was his extreme reaction to being told that she doesn’t think he’s a real man, nor will he ever be.
When she told him that she’s far stronger than he’ll ever be, he launched his fist towards her face, knocking her onto the floor and into a state of shock.
Joel then pulled out his phone and began to record her, as he kicked her body and she whimpered in fear, unable to move.
But, could Joel’s digital footprint be the start of his downfall?
A wealth of evidence could support Vicki’s case
In next week’s scenes, Vicki receives an update on her case against Joel. But will it be good or bad news? Either way, she’s left stunned.
Could it be that police have seized his devices and found a trail of evidence against him?
As we know, months ago, Joel filmed himself having sex with Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), later impregnating her.
It seemed – when the rest of her family discovered the unborn child’s paternity amid her termination – that the video would be unearthed, but that didn’t transpire.
Then there was the time he sexually assaulted a passenger on the London Underground in an utterly vile move, with Vicki paying off the victim. The incident was recorded by Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall).
While Joel promised his mate he’d delete the footage, he actually retained it.
The victim could well be reintroduced, reluctant to help Vicki for enabling Joel’s repulsive behaviour in the summer.
Plus, when the Marshall clan first arrived in Walford, we learnt that he had upskirted a girl in his Australian school, with Ross paying her family $50,000 in exchange for their silence.
Soaps Reporter Michael Adams says…
Hats off to Alice Haig for a truly stellar performance as Vicki, not just in tonight’s episode, but in the preceding months.
It’s never easy for a new actor to step into the shoes of an already established character, nor will this have been a walk in the park during the absence of Letitia Dean as Vicki’s sister Sharon Watts.
Despite that, it feels like Alice has been there for years. This incarnation of the character feels like the daughter of Den and Michelle, she’s feisty, strong-willed, and not afraid of a punch-up (Zoe, I’m looking at you).
She’s quite naturally fallen into the Beale-Fowler family fold, and as part of the wider community, in such a short time.
I’m sure that this is just the beginning of a nail-biting few months ahead, as Vicki navigates her relationship with Ross and case against Joel.
Max Murray has delivered a spine-chilling performance as the teen in his first major acting role. His delivery genuinely makes you feel uncomfortable; it’s obvious that a lot of research has gone into such a complex, troubled character.
As the plot opens up a multitude of conversations throughout Albert Square, it’s undoubtable that viewers at home will also start talking.
This is what soap does best – a real educational tool. And if Netflix’s Adolescence can be shown in schools, perhaps it’s about time EastEnders is too.
Could all of these acts soon come to light?
Vicki’s recovery is stunted by a tense atmosphere with Ross
‘When he gets back to the house, Vicki’s not there but her phone is and things aren’t adding up,’ Alex Walkinshaw tells us.
‘Then he gets the call to say she’s been taken to hospital.’
Ross’ first reaction is to instantly shut down those who are accusing Joel. He simply doesn’t want to believe that his son is capable of such an act, despite Vicki seeking refuge in The Vic in the immediate aftermath.
Alex explains: ‘He’s scared to pursue that train of thought. Ross doesn’t want to believe it because its so horrifying and he can’t contemplate it unless he knows for sure.
‘He wants to speak to Vicki and find out what’s what. But he is absolutely heartbroken and totally sickened.
‘The woman he loves is in hospital and the person he loves the most in the world could be responsible.
‘It’s a nightmare scenario and will have a massive impact on all of them.’
Can’t wait for the next twist?
Hey, I’m Michael Adams, Soaps reporter at Metro. I cover all of the drama from Walford to Weatherfield, Emmerdale to Ramsay Street.
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While relieved to hear that she will recover, tensions are bubbling beneath the surface for the couple and it’s clear that life will never be the same again.
How will Ross react when he finally comes face to face with Joel, who is hiding away in the Slaters’ garage?