After months of fans suspecting Zoe Slater could be Joel Marshall’s mum – her name was finally revealed in tonight’s episode – although fans aren’t convinced…

Earlier this year, EastEnders introduced us to Vicki Fowler’s stepson, Joel Marshall. He arrived alongside Vicki and his dad, Ross, but nothing was ever said about his mother – until now.

Fans had never heard any mention of Joel’s mum, and many came up with a theory that his mother was actually Zoe Slater, who made her return earlier this year. However, it looks like those theories were shut down during tonight’s episode – or were they?

Joel was left feeling down after his father Ross broke the news that his mother was getting married again – and fans learnt more about the ‘mystery woman’ during a conversation between Joel and Tommy. It comes after after an EastEnders legend was rushed to hospital after ‘deadly’ attack by familiar face.

Joel opened up about his mum Cleo with Tommy (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

During the conversation between teens Tommy and Joel, we learnt that Joel’s mother was called Cleo, and cheated on his father Ross. Whilst reminiscing on his time in Australia, he told Tommy how good his life was back then – before his mother was unfaithful.

“Everything changed,” he said. When asked by Tommy if he missed her, Joel responded: “I don’t think about her much. I’ve got way more going on for me over here anyway.”

Before this, in a conversation between Vicki and Ross, Cleo’s name was revealed.

“Earlier with Joel, you saw his face turn when I mentioned Cleo,” she said. “He won’t even call her ‘mum.'”

Joel joined the Square earlier this year alongside Vicki and Ross (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Although Ross didn’t seem phased, Vicki expressed her concerns with his anger, as she exclaimed: “Joel ain’t right!” He was then caught drinking alcohol with Tommy in the Vic, screaming at Stacey as he was dragged out by his dad.

In regards to Joel’s mum, a huge question has been answered, although we’re still yet to see Cleo in person. Until then, fans still aren’t convinced that it’s not Zoe…

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one suspicious fan wrote: “Joel’s mum is called Cleo is it? Sure,” while another on the same wavelength said: “Although I get the feeling that ‘Cleo’ could be cover name that Zoe has been using which means she may be in a bigger situation then we all thought.”

However, others appeared to shut the theory down, with one fan tweeting: “Vicky seemed to know who Cleo was and she’s been mates with Joel’s dad before they got together so guessing it’s not Zoe.”

Despite Alfie returning from Barcelona without Zoe by his side, it’s been revealed she will be making a permanent return to the Square later this year.

Could the ‘reveal’ of Joel’s mum at this time just be a coincidence or is there more to the story?