UNFORESEEN CONSEQUENCES!! EastEnders’ Joel ‘destroys’ Ross and Vicki’s wedding with desperate results

Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) toxic influence is as potent as ever in EastEnders next week, as even the prospect of his return is enough to potentially destroy Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and Vicki Fowler’s (Alice Haig) wedding.

When this week began, it seemed the biggest issue with the impending nuptials was Vicki’s undeniable thirst for Zack Hudson (James Farrar), though that was quickly put on the back-burner when Ross received news that Joel’s sentencing for his hideous attack on Vicki had been brought forward.

Joel received six months in a young offenders facility, and Vicki attempted to comfort Ross, who’s conflicting feelings were written all over his face. Sure, he was fully aware of how twisted his son had become and was acutely aware of the sheer trauma he’d inflicted on his wife-to-be, but he’d also just witnessed his sobbing son sent to juvie.

As their conversation wandered toward what would come upon Joel’s release, Vicki shut it down quickly, promising that whatever happened, they’d deal with it as a couple. The next day, though, saw Ross admit that he can’t cut Joel out of his life, with tempers flaring when he compared Joel’s behaviour to Vicki’s ‘affair’.

It’s painfully clear – the Joel issue is not resolved.

Next week, the couple are due to attend their respective hen and stag-do’s, but the shadow of Joel is hanging heavily over them.

‘Vicki’s worrying about what this will mean for her – particularly the matter of where Joel will live when he eventually gets out,’ Alice said.

‘Ross and Vicki then quickly realise they’re not on the same page and head off to their parties feeling incredibly conflicted.’

Before the parties, Vicki spells it out for Ross – she simply cannot marry him if he picks Joel over her.

Musing on the twist, Alice said: ‘Vicki loves Ross and desperately wants their relationship to work, but Ross will always be Joel’s dad, and although they’ve able to brush the issue aside whilst Joel is away, the reality of the future begins to resurface.

‘Vicki starts to think more seriously about the future – and about Joel potentially being part of it. The thought of sharing a home with Joel again leaves her feeling deeply anxious.

‘It throws everything into doubt: she wants nothing more than to marry Ross, but she can’t see a future that includes Joel.’

EastEnders will provide a devastating update on Joel Marshall next week, following his attack on his step-mum Vicki Fowler. The teenager was recently arrested for violently assaulting and hospitalising Vicki, after being reported to the police by his dad Ross.

But while Ross forced Joel to face the consequences of his actions, he also tried to support his son – making himself a pariah on the Square and destroying his relationship with a traumatised Vicki.

As Joel tries to avoid accountability next week, will Ross continue to stand by him?

In upcoming episodes, Vicki reels when she discovers her step-son has decided to plead not guilty as his hearing. She confronts Ross, who assures her he will try to change Joel’s mind.

At the Vic, the pair end up on the same team for Alfie’s quiz night, which leads them to eventually make peace.

Later, Ross visits Joel in prison to convince him to plead guilty, in a bid to spare Vicki the torment of testifying in court. Having recently thawed their icy relationship, Ross feels hopeful that he and Vicki can rebuild their life together.

Unfortunately for Ross, his big romantic gesture falls flat with Vicki, who is reluctant to reminiscence on their good times in the midst of Joel’s recent drama.

Meanwhile, at home, Vicki opens up to Zack Hudson about the trauma she’s been internalising since the attack. As Zack comforts her, the pair grow closer and share a surprising kiss.

Was Vicki simply feeling vulnerable and in need of support, or could a new romance be on the cards?