Zoe Slater’s (Michelle Ryan) dramatic return to Walford may have opened a new chapter for EastEnders, but beneath the surface lies an even more astonishing secret. Fans are now zeroing in on the true identity of Joel Marshall’s biological mother, and a brand-new, utterly unexpected theory has emerged, pointing to a name no one saw coming: Kelly Taylor, back after more than two decades.

Joel Marshall: A Troubled Legacy

Since his arrival in Walford, Joel Marshall has been a source of grave concern with his alarming behavior. He manipulated Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) into viewing explicit content, secretly filmed himself with Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), and most recently, committed an assault on the tube. Joel has also confessed to Tommy about his deep-seated resentment towards women, stemming from his mother abandoning him as a child, chillingly referring to her as a “slapper.”

Zoe Slater’s simultaneous return initially led many fans to believe she was this absent mother. However, sharp-eyed viewers have now spotted another clue, revealing a name far more shocking.

The 21-Year Twist: Is Kelly Taylor Joel’s Real Mum?!

While Walford buzzed about Zoe, seasoned EastEnders fans noticed an uncanny resemblance between Joel and Kelly Taylor (Brooke Kinsella) – Zoe’s “wild child” best friend from the early 2000s!

Kelly Taylor was one of Albert Square’s most fiery characters. She arrived in Walford in 2001, initially as an exploited sex worker, and quickly became close with Zoe. Kelly had a romantic relationship with Spencer Moon, Alfie’s younger brother. A significant past event involved Zoe and Kelly being in a horrific car accident in Scotland in 2003, where they shared a kiss while awaiting rescue. Kelly then left Walford for Ibiza in June 2004.

Now, the explosive theory is that Kelly Taylor is Joel’s biological mother! Fans point out that Joel’s “trauma and description of absence” regarding his mother perfectly fit Kelly’s tumultuous past. Furthermore, Kelly has existing ties to both Spencer and Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) – Joel’s father Ross Marshall’s current partner, who once lived with Spencer in Australia. This creates an incredible web of connections, suggesting Kelly might have given birth to Joel, who somehow ended up with Ross.

A Reddit fan couldn’t unsee it: “Once you see Kelly Taylor as Joel’s mum, you can’t unsee it.” Another agreed: “That’s a better theory than it being Zoe!”

Some even speculate further: “Ross lived in Australia and was pals with Spencer Moon and Vicki Fowler. Vicki had an affair with Ross. It wouldn’t surprise me if circa 2009/2010 Spencer found Kelly and maybe fathered Joel. But Kelly being Kelly went in run mode again and claimed that Joel was Ross kid instead. Bringing it full circle soap style and giving Spencer justice and karma.”

Devastating Impact on Walford

If this theory proves true, it would be one of the biggest twists in EastEnders history:

• Zoe Slater would confront her former best friend, linked by a shocking secret.
• Spencer Moon could suddenly become the biological father of a deeply troubled teenager.
• The entire family structure involving Joel, Ross, Vicki, and even the Slaters would be completely upended.
• The potential return of a beloved yet troubled character like Kelly Taylor after 21 years would unleash a wave of drama, tragedy, and untold stories.

This possibility not only redefines Joel’s past but also opens up countless dramatic storylines, pulling long-lost characters into new crises. Will EastEnders truly bring back Kelly Taylor and expose this bombshell secret? Walford holds its breath!