Joel Marshall’s real mum as Walford legend who is set for ‘return’
EastEnders viewers are convinced that Joel Marshall is the secret son of a Walford icon - meaning he has more relatives on the Square than he originally thought
EastEnders enthusiasts are speculating that Joel Marshall (Max Murray) might be the biological offspring of a Walford icon, suggesting he already has family ties within the Square.
Joel made his Walford debut in April, arriving with his father Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and Ross’s partner Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). The trio returned from Australia following the demise of Martin Fowler (James Bye).
Initially, Ross admitted to severe financial troubles due to Joel, having borrowed a hefty amount to settle debts. However, Ross soon revealed the truth about Joel’s history, leaving Vicki stunned.
Ross’s anger flared when he found his son in a compromising situation with fellow student Avani Nandra-Hart, portrayed by Aaliyah James, 24.
Ross’s worst nightmare became reality when he discovered that the crafty teenager had secretly recorded his intimate encounters with Avani without her knowledge. In a bid to impress his best mate Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall), Joel shared the footage, reports Belfast Live.
Joel has since persuaded Tommy to view explicit adult content on his dad Alfie’s (Shane Richie) laptop.
Next week, the teens’ behaviour takes another dark turn as Joel crosses a criminal boundary and assaults a stranger on the tube.
The woman reports Joel, appalled by his actions. But when Ross and Vicki uncover the truth, can they guide him back onto the right path?
EastEnders enthusiasts are abuzz with theories over Joel’s recent troubling antics, with some predicting a bombshell DNA revelation – he might be the biological son of Zoe Slater.
The rumour mill is in overdrive as fans ponder the potential comeback of former characters, and many are betting on Joel being unmasked as a member of the Slater clan.
Given that Zoe is Kat Slater’s (played by Jessie Wallace) daughter, this twist would also mean Joel is Kat’s grandson and Tommy’s half-uncle.
Speculation is rife, with one viewer suggesting: “If that’s the case, maybe it’s Zoe’s return?” While another excitedly posted: “Omg she can be Joel’s mum.”
Another fan contributed to the buzz, saying: “That would be quite the plot twist!”
One eagle-eyed fan recalled past storylines, noting: “Zoe was in a relationship with Dennis, so yes :)”
Delving deeper into the show’s history, a viewer speculated: “Not outside the realms of possibility. She was pregnant with Den Watts child. Maybe she didn’t go through with the abortion in the end? It would explain Joel’s mean streak too.” Which prompted another to question: “Wouldn’t that kid be in their 20s now?”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer