EastEnders star Alice Haig warns fans to brace for “dark, scary and upsetting” scenes ahead 😨 as Joel’s disturbing behaviour reaches a shocking new level
EastEnders actress Alice Haig has confirmed that the BBC soap’s controversial Joel Marshall storyline is about to hit a chilling new level. Speaking exclusively at the Inside Soap Awards, the star revealed that upcoming episodes will see events take a “dark, upsetting, and scary” turn as Joel’s behaviour spirals further out of control.
Haig, who plays Vicki Fowler, said the explosive scenes will leave her character reeling. “We’ve got the Joel stuff coming up very soon and it’s gonna really knock the wind out of Vicki’s sails,” she teased. “It’s dark, it’s upsetting, but I can’t say anything else. I am really excited for what’s ahead though.”
Joel’s Violence Reaches Breaking Point
The disturbing storyline has already shocked EastEnders fans, as Joel’s misogynistic and abusive behaviour has steadily intensified over recent months.
Played by Max Murray, Joel has sexually assaulted a woman on the tube, recorded a non-consensual sex tape with teenager Avani Nandra-Hart, and targeted Stacey Slater with online abuse. The upcoming twist will reportedly see him lash out at his stepmother Vicki, escalating his violence to terrifying new heights.
Haig’s comments confirm that the tension is far from over — and that Vicki will be pushed to her emotional limits in scenes that promise to test both the character and the audience.
“It’s Going to Be a Brilliant Autumn and Winter”
Despite the heavy themes, Haig promised viewers an unmissable run-up to Christmas, blending heartbreak with hope. “There’s some really scary, sad, dark things,” she said, “but there’s also some really funny, exciting and light things as well. It’s just gonna be a brilliant autumn and winter into Christmas.”
The actress also hinted that EastEnders’s creative energy is at an all-time high, adding: “The whole place is buzzing — onscreen and offscreen.”
A Message Beyond Walford
Haig hopes the hard-hitting storyline will start important conversations beyond the soap. “I really hope there will be parents out there, and young people as well, maybe a partner of a boy who has been watching poisonous stuff online, who really find confidence from the storyline and find a way to deal with their child,” she explained.
The actress stressed that communication, not outrage, is the key takeaway. “We all feel so angry with Joel and all we want to do is explode at him,” she said. “But actually that’s not useful — we need to talk to them, basically.”
What’s Next for Vicki and Joel?
With Joel’s abusive actions escalating and the walls closing in, Vicki’s future looks increasingly uncertain. The episodes ahead promise to deliver emotional shocks, social commentary, and the kind of powerful performances EastEnders is known for — setting up a gripping and turbulent path to Christmas in Walford.