New evidence on Joel’s attack exposed in EastEnders as lies fall apart – and Ross is furious

The police are on the scene once more as a discovery changes everything (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) is on the warpath in EastEnders next week when unexpected information comes to light about the attack on Joel Marshall (Max Murray) – and DC Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey) is soon on the case. Joel – who was jailed earlier this year for attacking stepmum Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) – returned to the Square earlier this month after serving his time behind bars. His presence in Walford didn’t go down well with the residents, particularly Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) and Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), who have both experienced first hand what Joel is capable of. Joel claimed to have turned over a new leaf but those around him remained understandably wary given the vile comments he made about women just months ago. With Joel seemingly staying put on the Square, Amy devised a plan with fellow teens Avani, Denzel (Jaden Ladega), Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), Lily (Lilia Turner), Ricky (Frankie Day) and Barney (Lewis Bridgeman), inviting Joel to an end-of-term party, before tying him to a fence and humiliating him, filming the incident on their phones. Joel was released from hospital in the days after the attack (Picture: BBC/ Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. When Will Mitchell (Freddie Phillips) and Barney expressed concern, the others returned to the scene 45 minutes later to free Joel – only to find him unconscious, having suffered a severe blow to the head. An investigation was subsequently launched, led by DC Craig, who quizzed the teens – who all professed their innocence – about the events prior to Joel’s attack. Later, a spooked Barney asked Harry (Elijah Holloway) for help in hiding a wrench. Was he to blame for Joel’s attack or is this simply a red herring? Next week, Barney admits to Zack Hudson (James Farrar) that, on the night in question, he saw Nugget acting suspiciously. Ross and Vicki make a staggering discovery (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Joel, meanwhile, is back on the Square, having been discharged from the hospital. Despite her reservations, Vicki suggested that he moved back home with her and Ross. Upcoming scenes will see the couple receive an update on Joel’s living arrangements, which leaves Vicki rather suspicious. The show icon shares her theory with Ross, who agrees and thus they waste little time in heading to the Vic. Upon arrival, they push Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) for answers and in doing so they learn that the other parents know more than they’re letting on. Amy attempts to get some clues out of DC Craig (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Ross is staggered by what he finds out and thus resolves to go to the police. Kat and Alfie respond by gathering the parents together and tensions escalate when Vicki and Ross get involved. Detective Craig is soon on the scene and he has an update for Vicki and Ross. The question is: just what does it entail? Is he any closer to finding out who is to blame for Joel’s attack? Joel, meanwhile, makes a surprising request of his own and Jack (Scott Maslen) asks Craig for a favour, hoping to protect Amy and Ricky. Later, Amy attempts to get information from Craig about the investigation but her efforts prove fruitless. Will the truth about who attacked Joel be revealed? And if so, who will be the one to uncover it? 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: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as sinister Sheila closes in for Gray Arrow MORE: How old are the actors playing EastEnders’ teens? Arrow MORE: EastEnders ‘confirms’ Joel’s attackers as two key suspects enter the mix The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.