EastEnders drama intensifies as Joel Marshall returns to Walford

Joel Marshall, a teen offender previously sentenced for grievous bodily harm, voyeurism and distributing indecent images, is released from a young offenders institute and returns to Walford. He arrives at the doorstep of his ex‑spouse Ross Marshall and Ross's wife Vicki Fowler after his mother Cleo brings him to their home.

His return triggers a series of confrontations: Vicki storms out in tears, Sharon Watts intervenes, victim Avani Nandra‑Hart threatens him, and Ross ultimately escorts Joel away. The episode also confirms that actress Michelle Ryan, who plays Zoe Slater, will exit the soap later this year, with speculation that her character may be killed off.