EastEnders’ Joel ‘destroys’ Ross and Vicki’s wedding with desperate results

Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) toxic influence is as potent as ever in EastEnders next week, as even the prospect of his return is enough to potentially destroy Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and Vicki Fowler’s (Alice Haig) wedding.

When this week began, it seemed the biggest issue with the impending nuptials was Vicki’s undeniable thirst for Zack Hudson (James Farrar), though that was quickly put on the back-burner when Ross received news that Joel’s sentencing for his hideous attack on Vicki had been brought forward.

Joel received six months in a young offenders facility, and Vicki attempted to comfort Ross, who’s conflicting feelings were written all over his face.

Sure, he was fully aware of how twisted his son had become and was acutely aware of the sheer trauma he’d inflicted on his wife-to-be, but he’d also just witnessed his sobbing son sent to juvie.

As their conversation wandered toward what would come upon Joel’s release, Vicki shut it down quickly, promising that whatever happened, they’d deal with it as a couple.

The next day, though, saw Ross admit that he can’t cut Joel out of his life, with tempers flaring when he compared Joel’s behaviour to Vicki’s ‘affair’.

It’s painfully clear – the Joel issue is not resolved.

Next week, the couple are due to attend their respective hen and stag-do’s, but the shadow of Joel is hanging heavily over them.

‘Vicki’s worrying about what this will mean for her – particularly the matter of where Joel will live when he eventually gets out,’ Alice said.

‘Ross and Vicki then quickly realise they’re not on the same page and head off to their parties feeling incredibly conflicted.’
Before the parties, Vicki spells it out for Ross – she simply cannot marry him if he picks Joel over her.

Musing on the twist, Alice said: ‘Vicki loves Ross and desperately wants their relationship to work, but Ross will always be Joel’s dad, and although they’ve able to brush the issue aside whilst Joel is away, the reality of the future begins to resurface.

‘It throws everything into doubt: she wants nothing more than to marry Ross, but she can’t see a future that includes Joel.’

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While Ross eventually concedes and agrees to find Joel somewhere else to live, that’s not the end of it.

Oh no, Vicki’s problems are about to increase ten-fold…