Just when peace seemed within reach for Vicki Fowler and Ross Marshall, a terrifying truth shatters everything. In a week set to shake EastEnders to its core, viewers will witness Vicki’s shocking discovery about Ross’s son, Joel – a troubled teen whose secrets are darker than anyone feared.

Joel’s disturbing past was already a ticking time bomb. After arriving in Walford with Ross and Vicki earlier this year, he seemed to be a boy burdened by mystery. But now, the truth unravels. Back in Australia, Joel committed a despicable act – upskirting a schoolmate and sharing the image online. Ross paid the family off, and the price of silence was Joel’s permanent exile from Sydney.

Now in Walford, Joel’s behavior is spiraling. Despite his parents’ desperate hopes, he hasn’t changed. Worse still, Joel secretly filmed himself and classmate Avani Nandraart in an intimate moment – without her consent. While Avani is unaware of the video, she’s become a target of vile online abuse, as rumours spread about her encounter with Joel.

In heartbreaking scenes set to air, Amy Mitchell bravely tells Vicki the truth: Joel is behind the trolling. He has shamed Avani for something he manipulated, and Vicki is horrified. She confronts Ross, and the couple, devastated, agree Joel needs help. They hope Tommy Moon can be a positive influence.

But they’re dead wrong.

Behind closed doors, Joel is poisoning Tommy’s young mind. He encourages him to buy adult content using Alfie Moon’s credit card and introduces him to a misogynistic influencer preaching hatred towards women. Tommy, naive and eager to impress, begins falling under Joel’s toxic spell.

Will Vicki and Ross open their eyes before Joel’s corruption leaves permanent scars on those around him?

Meanwhile, the Square buzzes with casting twists and potential returns. Michelle Collins has hinted that Cindy Jr. – absent since 2015 – could return to stir things up. Calls are growing for Sex Education star Mimi Keene to reprise the role.

And in casting heartbreak, Bobby Brazier, beloved Freddy Slater, is confirmed to exit after three years. Fans will miss his charisma, but insiders say it’s time for him to explore new challenges.

At the same time, Ian Beale’s shock exit has fans reeling. After facing betrayal, explosions, and a mother wielding a snow shovel, he’s jetted off to reconnect with Sharon Watts and Michelle Fowler. But with Peter struggling to bond with baby Jimmy – and Lauren spiraling – how long can Ian stay away?

EastEnders has always thrived on secrets, scandal, and survival – and this week, it proves once again why it remains Britain’s most dramatic soap. From Joel’s descent to George’s double life and the explosive truths waiting just around the corner, Walford’s storm is only just beginning.