In a disturbing storyline that has viewers holding their breath, EastEnders has plunged even deeper into the twisted psyche of Joel Marshall. What began as a chilling tube station assault has now evolved into a far-reaching web of manipulation, voyeurism, and the possible unearthing of a long-buried secret that could shake Walford to its core.

Joel’s recent attack on Isla sent shockwaves through the community, especially after it was revealed that he had enlisted Tommy Moon to unknowingly film the incident. The brutality of the act was appalling enough, but what truly disturbed viewers was Joel’s complete lack of remorse. Even after being caught and scolded by his stepmother Vicki Fowler—who pinned him to the wall in a fiery confrontation—Joel remains undeterred. And now, according to next week’s spoilers, he has a new target: Amy Mitchell, the teenage daughter of police officer Jack Branning.

This latest development is nothing short of horrifying. Joel is no longer just a threat in the shadows; he’s actively infiltrating teen social circles, using Denzel’s house gathering as a cover to get close to Amy. His intent is clear—and it’s predatory. The subtle manipulation he used to coerce Avani into a sexual relationship (which he secretly recorded without her consent) now seems to be part of a larger, sicker pattern.

What’s more troubling is that no one—not Ravi, not Priya, not Jack Branning—knows the full extent of Joel’s behavior. Avani’s parents remain unaware that their daughter has been exploited in the most invasive way possible. But when the truth does come out, as hinted by actress Sophie Levy Khan (Priya), the fallout could be catastrophic. Priya and Ravi are known for their explosive reactions, and if Joel thinks he can escape the wrath of those two—especially where their daughter is concerned—he’s in for a brutal reckoning.

But EastEnders isn’t stopping there. The writers are seeding yet another layer to this already dark tale—one that could add personal torment to Joel’s unraveling. Enter Zoe Slater, who has made a surprise return to the Square, dropping cryptic hints that she’s harboring a devastating secret. Fans are already speculating that Joel might be her son, the child she abandoned years ago. If that theory proves true, it would reframe everything we know about Joel—from his rage to his craving for control and validation.

Imagine it: a boy raised without his biological mother, unknowingly abandoned by Zoe Slater, now spiraling into toxic masculinity and predatory behavior. It would tie Joel’s increasingly volatile actions to a deeper emotional wound—one of rejection and unresolved trauma. And if Zoe does come forward with the truth, it might just be the only shot at stopping Joel before he goes even further.

The EastEnders writing team has handled similar storylines with stark realism before, and this one is shaping up to be one of the most haunting in recent memory. While it’s difficult to watch such a troubling character evolve, the narrative is also shining a light on issues like consent, digital abuse, and the long-term effects of emotional abandonment—topics that are often left unspoken in mainstream television.

The strength of this storyline lies not only in Joel’s descent but also in the surrounding characters’ inevitable responses. Jack Branning, a father and a police officer, will not take kindly to his daughter being targeted. Vicki Fowler, who’s already risked everything to cover for Joel once, may soon have to make a final choice: protect him again, or hand him over to justice. And then there’s Stacey and Alfie, now drawn back into the orbit of Zoe Slater’s drama. If Zoe truly is Joel’s mother, the entire Slater clan may be forced to confront one of their darkest family secrets.

Perhaps the most tragic part of all is Amy Mitchell herself. Already a young woman grappling with her own mental health journey, she may find herself pulled into a manipulative relationship with someone far more dangerous than he appears. Her arc, like Avani’s, is poised to expose how predators operate in plain sight, blending charm with menace in equal measure.

With actor Shane Richie (Alfie Moon) teasing “big stuff” ahead and behind-the-scenes filming kept tightly under wraps, it’s clear that EastEnders is just getting started. The threads are being pulled tighter. The truths are creeping closer to the surface. And Joel’s carefully built lies are about to come crashing down.

As the Square braces for yet another wave of drama, fans are left with urgent questions:

• Will Amy become Joel’s next victim—or will she see through him in time?

• How will Avani react when she finds out she’s been secretly filmed?

• What will Ravi and Priya do when they discover the full scope of Joel’s betrayal?

• And most of all, is Zoe Slater about to drop a bombshell that will change everything?

Stay tuned, because Walford’s about to erupt—and no one, especially Joel Marshall, will come out unscathed.