EastEnders confirms who brought along hammer used to attack Joel – and it’s very unexpected

EastEnders confirms who brought along hammer used to attack Joel – and it’s very unexpected | Deputy Soaps Editor Published August 4, 2026 9:35am Updated August 4, 2026 9:53am A shock admission was made about the hammer used to attack Joel (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) EastEnders spoilers follow for Tuesday’s (August 4) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm. Joel Marshall (Max Murray) made a staggering revelation that left dad Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) absolutely reeling. The teen, as viewers know, was attacked and left for dead in a park last month. The incident came just 45 minutes after a group of fellow teens – who were livid Joel was free after what he did to Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) and Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) – tied him up and poured beer over him. When he was found unconscious with a blow to the back of the head, an investigation was launched by DC Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey), who questioned all the characters involved. The parents of the kids in question kept shtum about Joel being tied to a fencepost prior to the attack, fearing what it might mean for their children. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Ross, however, uncovered the truth about his son’s humiliation earlier this week when Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) let slip that there was a video of the kids throwing beer over a tied-up Joel. DC Craig was called into action when a video was uncovered (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Enraged, Ross wasted little time in contacting Craig, who watched the video himself and made it clear that it would have to be submitted into evidence. Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) – whose daughter Amy (Ellie Dadd) was present the night of Joel’s attack -asked his colleague to hold off on doing so for now. Joel, meanwhile, also didn’t want the video to be used in the investigation, making it clear that he just wants to move on without causing any further grief for those on the Square. Another big shock followed as Craig revealed that Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman) has come forward with the hammer used to attack Joel. Ross was horrified at the prospect of a hammer being used to hurt his son but the bigger news came later when Joel confirmed that he was the one to bring the hammer to the park. Joel confessed that he brought the hammer to the park (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) ‘For protection’, he said when quizzed about his reason for bringing it along, ‘in case anyone started anything’. The question is: with Barney, Avani and Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) all seemingly ruled out as suspects, the question is: just who used the weapon to attack Joel? Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Avani rocked to the core by staggering confession from Barney over Joel’s attack in EastEnders Arrow MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as sinister Sheila closes in for Gray Arrow MORE: How old are the actors playing EastEnders’ teens? The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.