EastEnders’ Joel left to die in horrendous attack as the teens strike back

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published July 22, 2026 9:48am Updated July 22, 2026 9:49am Joel’s life hangs in the balance after a shocking turn of events (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) EastEnders spoilers follow for Wednesday’s (July 22) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm. Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) fate has been left up in the air after he was found unconscious and alone – not long after the teens took revenge. The incel, as viewers know, horrified the residents of the Square last year with vile misogynistic views about women. Earlier this year, he was jailed for attacking stepmum Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), who recounted her ordeal in court – as did Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), who Joel had sex with, recording it without her consent and later distributing it online. Joel returned to Walford last week following his release when mum Cleo (Mazz Murray) showed up on Ross’ (Alex Walkinshaw) doorstep, revealing that she can no longer look after him and suggesting he stay on the Square. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Vicki was devastated, as was Avani, who was adamant that he shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near them after what he’s done. Avani and Amy were among those who concocted a plan to get rid of Joel (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Ross resolved to stay with Joel in the B&B until they found somewhere else, but the villain’s presence in the Square left the teens irate – and they decided to do something about it. Putting their plan into motion, Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and Avani invited Joel – who claims he’s learned from his mistakes and wants to move on – to a party for end of term. Amy and Avani were joined by Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega), Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), Lily (Lilia Turner), Ricky (Frankie Day) and Barney (Lewis Bridgeman). In a bid to teach Joel a lesson, a number of the teens in question tied him to a fence. Avani, Denzel and Barney were all present for the ‘party’ – which descended into chaos (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) To humiliate him, they soaked Joel with beer and filmed the incident. Joel was left locked up for 45 minutes but, Will Mitchell (Freddie Phillips) and Barney reckoned that what they’d done was wrong – and encouraged the others to go check on him. After some time, they returned to the scene. To their shock, however, Joel had been untied and attacked. The question is: is he dead? If not, will he pull through? And what’s more, just who is to blame for what has transpired? 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: EastEnders fans utterly obsessed with new character within seconds but there’s bad news Arrow MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as returning villain is brutalised in revenge attack Arrow MORE: EastEnders actor’s relative – and huge UK star – joins cast for controversial storyline The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.