EastEnders' violent teenage incel Joel Marshall, played by Max Murray, is poised to return to Walford next week, sending shockwaves through the Square. Joel was sentenced earlier this year for violently attacking his stepmum Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) in their kitchen, leaving her for dead. His disturbing behaviour included sexually assaulting a passenger on the tube and recording himself having sex with Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) without her consent.
Joel's Release Sparks Fear
After serving time in a young offenders institute while awaiting trial, Joel received a short sentence and is now due for release. In upcoming scenes, Avani's mum Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan-Levy) is shaken upon hearing the news and tries to reassure her daughter that Joel won't return to the Square. However, his living situation had been a point of contention between Vicki and Joel's dad, Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw), before their wedding last month. Ross promised Vicki that Joel would not move back in with them after release.
Return Confirmed
Max Murray, who plays Joel, was confirmed to be reprising his role in May. With Joel's return guaranteed, the impact on Avani and on Vicki and Ross's marriage remains to be seen. EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 29th June at 7.30pm on BBC One or streams first from 6am on iPlayer.
