The drama in EastEnders has taken an exciting turn with the arrival of Joel Marshall, a teenager whose behaviour has left fans shocked and concerned. From encouraging Tommy Moon to watch inappropriate content to his troubling actions on the tube, Joel is quickly becoming one of the most unpredictable characters on the show. But as his dark past unfolds, fans are starting to connect some very interesting dots, leading many to speculate that his true mother might be someone fans are already familiar with: Zoe Slater.

Joel’s Troubling Past

Joel’s behaviour has been growing increasingly alarming. He recently confided in Tommy about his resentment toward women after his mother abandoned him when he was young. Although he didn’t reveal her name, Joel’s comments about his mother, paired with his erratic actions, have sparked intense fan theories. Many believe these troubling moments are a sign of a deeper connection to a familiar EastEnders character.

The Shocking Return of Zoe Slater

Zoe Slater’s recent return to EastEnders has reignited speculation surrounding Joel’s parentage. After a 20-year hiatus, Zoe made a comeback to the square, but her life seems far from sorted. As she tries to reconcile with her past, could she also be hiding a massive secret — one that involves Joel? Fans have begun to connect the dots, theorising that Zoe could be Joel’s biological mother.

The clues don’t stop there. Fans have pointed out that Zoe’s return coincides with Joel’s increasing signs of aggression and anger, possibly the result of being abandoned by his mother. Could Zoe have left him behind all those years ago? Is she hiding a painful secret that she’s kept buried for years? The mystery deepens as fans begin to speculate whether Joel could be the son of one of EastEnders’ most beloved yet troubled characters.

The Kelly Taylor Connection

While many are quick to point the finger at Zoe, another theory has emerged that has fans buzzing. Could Joel’s real mother actually be Kelly Taylor, Zoe’s former best friend? Kelly, played by Brooke Kinsella, was involved in some of the most chaotic and dramatic storylines of the early 2000s. She was known for her troubled past, including a job as a prostitute and a tumultuous relationship with Spencer Moon.

Kelly’s exit from the show in 2004 saw her leaving Walford for a new life in Spain after a dramatic car crash with Zoe. However, some fans now believe that Kelly might have returned to the square secretly pregnant with Joel, and that he could be the son of Kelly and a mystery partner, possibly even Ross Marshall.

Ross Marshall’s Mysterious Connection

Ross Marshall, who is currently in a relationship with Vicki Fowler, is another character whose past is coming into question. It has been noted that Ross previously lived in Australia and had connections with Spencer Moon and Vicki. One fan theory posits that Ross and Kelly might have had a brief affair, resulting in the birth of Joel. If true, this would explain the tense and somewhat chaotic history between the characters.

Some fans believe that after being abandoned by Kelly, Joel may have grown up with Ross, who eventually told him that Kelly was his mother. This potential revelation has left viewers speculating whether Kelly could return to Walford, or if Zoe knows more about Joel’s past than she’s letting on.

What Does This Mean for Joel’s Future?

Regardless of whether Zoe or Kelly turns out to be Joel’s mother, one thing is clear: his presence in Walford is stirring up more than just chaos. The theory that his true parentage could be tied to Zoe, Kelly, or even Ross presents a host of questions that will undoubtedly lead to dramatic revelations in the future. What does this mean for the Dutton family, and what secrets will unravel in the coming weeks? Fans can’t wait to find out!