Joel flees Walford in EastEnders after an emotional admission

Nobody wants him around (Picture: BBC) Joel Marshall (Max Murray) quickly realises just how difficult adapting to life in Walford is going to be in EastEnders soon. The young man returned earlier this week after being released from prison. Initially, he had plans to stay with mum Cleo (Mazz Murray), but they went out of the window. It meant that Joel was forced to head back to Albert Square, where his dad Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) lives with partner Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). Viewers will remember that Joel attacked Vicki and put her in hospital. While he was behind bars, Vicki made it clear to Ross that their relationship would be severely impacted if Joel was released and came back into their lives. But with his mum refusing to look after Joel, he’s forced to try and live alongside a number of people he targeted. Joel is forced to stay in Walford (Picture: BBC) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. In upcoming episodes, while Ross attempts to secure his son a place at sixth form, Joel is at school and finds himself on the receiving end of Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), Avani (Aaliyah James) and Amy’s (Ellie Dadd) anger. Back at home, Vicki and Ross discuss their predicament, but the moment is cut short when Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) arrive and rile at the pair. With the adults clashing over Joel’s comeback, the youngster is seen alone. Realising that no-one wants him around, he books a train. Joel is offered an olive branch the next day, as Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) spots him helping Janet. Back at Number 31, Joel opens up about his struggles while in prison. The duo are interrupted by the arrival of Jean Slater (Gillian Wright), Amy and Avani. The Walford teens create a plan for Joel (Picture: BBC) Joel is still convinced that he shouldn’t be in Walford, and decides to head to the tube station. Ross eventually catches up with his son, and pleads for him to stay. In the week, Avani and Amy are furious to discover that Joel has decided to stick around. They develop a plan for him, and lure Joel to the park for what he thinks are end of term celebrations. At the park, Joel arrives, and quickly realises he’s been tricked by the Walford teens. Together, they lock Joel to a fence and soak him in beer, filming the entire thing. Will anyone come to Joel’s aid? 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 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: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026 The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.