Overview
- In the November 19 episode, Joel reappears in a young offenders unit after a month off‑screen, where Ross visits him to urge a guilty plea.
- Joel is set to plead not guilty over the attack on Vicki Fowler and shows no remorse during the on‑screen conversation.
- Ross tells Joel that Vicki has recently confronted people in the Queen Vic, a disclosure fans believe could be used to challenge her in court.
- Social media reactions predict Joel’s defense might try to recast the incident, though these are viewer theories rather than confirmed plot details.
- The storyline continues to examine toxic masculinity, echoed by the BBC’s companion documentary EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere, as Vicki recovers from serious injuries and tensions with Ross persist.