Walford has been rocked to its core this week after a stunning twist that no one saw coming! EastEnders fans were left reeling as Joel

Marshall — the charming newcomer who seemed too good to be true — was suddenly arrested in front of the entire Square. The shocking

reveal has exposed Joel’s dark secrets, shattered relationships, and set the stage for one of the most explosive showdowns in recent EastEnders history.

What started as a simple romance storyline has spiraled into chaos, deceit, and betrayal — and fans can’t stop talking about it.

The Calm Before the Storm

The episode begins innocently enough. Joel (played by Oliver Farnworth) is seen at The Queen Vic, smiling and chatting with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), trying to convince her that he’s finally putting his troubled past behind him.

“I’m not that man anymore, Stace,” Joel says softly. “You’ve made me want to be better.”

For a moment, viewers almost believe him. But elsewhere in Walford, the police are closing in. Unbeknownst to Joel, someone has tipped them off about his secret involvement in a disturbing assault case from months earlier — and the truth is about to come crashing down.

The Arrest That Stopped Walford Cold

Just as Joel leaves The Vic, two police cars screech onto Bridge Street. Stacey, still at the bar, looks out the window to see the commotion — and her heart sinks when she spots Joel surrounded by officers.

Police Officer: “Joel Marshall, you are under arrest for the assault of Vicki Haines. You do not have to say anything…”
Joel: (shocked) “What? No — this is a mistake!”

The entire pub falls silent. Denise, Sharon, and Phil watch from a distance as Joel is handcuffed and taken away, shouting his innocence. Stacey rushes outside, yelling his name, but he refuses to look at her.

It’s a chilling, emotional moment — one that instantly sends shockwaves through Walford.

Stacey’s Devastation

The aftermath is brutal. Back at her flat, Stacey breaks down as Martin tries to comfort her. She can’t believe she’s been deceived again — especially after Joel had promised to change.

Stacey: “I thought he was different, Martin. I thought he was trying to be better.”
Martin: “People like Joel don’t change, Stace. They just hide who they are until it’s too late.”

But Stacey refuses to accept it — at least not yet. She visits the police station, demanding answers, only to be told that Joel has been under investigation for months. Officers reveal new evidence linking him to Vicki Haines, the young woman he allegedly assaulted in a drunken rage outside a club.