EastEnders rules out three suspects in who attacked Joel mystery

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published August 3, 2026 9:51am Updated August 3, 2026 9:51am Three characters have been ruled out (Picture: BBC) EastEnders spoilers follow for Monday’s (August 3) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm. EastEnders has ruled out three characters from being involved in the attack on Joel Marshall (Max Murray). Joel, as viewers know, was left for dead last month, just minutes after a group of local teens sought revenge on him over his disturbing behaviour and acts of violence towards women. The character was jailed for several months in January after attacking stepmum Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). He also had sex with Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) and filmed it without her consent or knowledge, later posting it online. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. When he was released from prison, he returned to Walford, much to the horror of Avani, Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), Lily Slater (Lillia Turner), Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman), Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) and Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega), who formed a plan to punish him. Inviting Joel to an end-of-term party, the teens tied him up and poured beer all over him while filming the incident. They left him there for 45 minutes and, upon their return, they discovered that Joel had been brutally attacked. Joel was brutally attacked last month (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) An investigation led by DC Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey) was soon underway, with all the teens involved professing their innocence. Barney was keeping a secret, having asked for brother Harry’s (Elijah Holloway) help in getting rid of a hammer, leaving viewers wondering if he was the one who attacked Joel. But Monday’s visit to the Square cleared things up, with Barney revealing that he found Joel unconscious in the wake of the attack and, with the hammer lying nearby, he picked up the weapon to get rid of it to protect Avani, who he suspected might’ve attacked Joel. When Avani learned of such a thing, she was horrified, stating very clearly that she wasn’t behind the attack. Zack Hudson (James Farrar) witnessed the showdown between the two friends and asked Barney what was wrong. Avani and Barney have seemingly been ruled out (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Nugget is seemingly in the clear too – though he has been keeping a different secret (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Barney broke down, revealing what he just told Avani to a stunned Zack. But there was more – on the night of the attack, Barney saw Nugget burying something in the allotment and he wondered if it was related to what happened to Joel. Zack joined Barney as they searched for clues, stumbling upon weed in the dirt at the allotment. He resolved to tell Ravi (Aaron Thiara) about what his son was up to but Barney urged him not to. With Barney, Avani and Nugget now ruled out, the question is: who really did 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: New evidence on Joel’s attack exposed in EastEnders as lies fall apart – and Ross is furious 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.