EastEnders has thrown viewers into one of its most disturbing storylines in years—and fans are already convinced it’s only a matter of time before it ends in bloodshed. At the centre of this rapidly escalating drama is Joel Marshall, a teenage newcomer whose predatory behaviour has triggered fury among viewers and set up a potential violent showdown with one of Walford’s most feared men.

Joel arrived in Albert Square recently with his father Ross Marshall and a returning Vicki Fowler, and despite his fresh face, he’s already emerging as one of the darkest characters in the soap’s current lineup. Within weeks, he’s encouraged fellow teens like Tommy Moon and Avani Nandra-Hart into risky and destructive behaviour—exposing them to pornography, smoking, and manipulative emotional tactics.

But this week, things took a deeply disturbing turn.

In a shocking twist, Joel not only slept with Avani while her family was out of the house—but then secretly recorded their encounter without her knowledge or consent. The revelation left viewers horrified, and the fallout from this sickening act is beginning to spiral, with the Marshall family imploding under the weight of the truth. Vicki tried to downplay the incident in a panic, hoping to shield Joel and calm down a livid Ross. But when Ross discovered the video, even he was stunned by how depraved his son’s actions were.

The trouble is, Joel has no idea what storm he’s unleashed.

Avani’s father is Ravi Gulati—a man with a terrifying reputation. Not only is he fiercely protective of his daughter, but he’s also capable of extreme violence. Viewers will recall that Ravi once held Barney Mitchell over a bridge in a chilling moment of revenge when he thought Barney had wronged Avani. And let’s not forget, Ravi killed his adoptive father Ranveer Gulati in cold blood on New Year’s Day. This isn’t a man to cross, and Joel—knowingly or not—has done just that.

As word of Joel’s actions spreads, EastEnders fans have taken to social media to share their theories. Many believe Ravi will soon learn what Joel has done—and that he won’t rest until he delivers his own brand of justice.

On Reddit, one fan declared: “He will get dangled off the bridge, and also dropped from it.” Others echoed the sentiment, speculating that Ravi’s reaction will be swift, brutal, and possibly fatal. Another fan posted, “It’ll be brutal, I’m sure. But I bet he’ll be restrained by someone before he unleashes 100% of that brutality on Joel’s head.”

The community is clearly torn between their distaste for violence and their desire for accountability. “I’m not happy with young people dying nor Ravi killing,” one fan confessed, “but I’m happy to put those two rules aside for now.” This quote underlines just how emotionally charged this storyline has become—even the most peaceful viewers are struggling to justify leniency for Joel.

It’s not just the plot that’s getting attention—many viewers are also praising the performance of the actor behind Joel. “Joel is genuinely sinister,” wrote one commenter. “The young actor is knocking it out of the park—he’s probably the best and most naturalistic new addition in a while.” Another added, “He tells Avani everything she wants to hear just to get her into a vulnerable position so he can take advantage. It’s scary how calculated and fake someone can be.”

This chilling realism is what’s making the character so effective—and so loathed. Joel’s manipulation of Avani is seen by many as calculated, rehearsed, and predatory. The audience knows Avani has been through serious trauma already, including being wrongfully strip-searched by police. That Joel chose to exploit her in that vulnerable state has cemented his role as one of the most reviled characters introduced in recent memory.

Now, the tension is building toward an explosive confrontation that could shape the future of multiple families in Walford. Will Ravi find out what Joel has done? And if so, will he take justice into his own hands—again?

As EastEnders leans further into thriller-style storytelling, fans are bracing themselves for violent retribution. If the community’s predictions are right, Joel’s days in the Square are numbered. With Ravi’s rage barely contained and Avani reeling from betrayal, it seems inevitable that something tragic—or fatal—is about to go down.

One thing is certain: this isn’t just another teen drama plot. EastEnders is diving headfirst into dangerous territory, exploring revenge, consent, and the psychological toll of trauma. Whether it ends in violence, justice, or redemption, Joel Marshall’s story is poised to become one of the most unforgettable—and possibly tragic—arcs of the year.