EastEnders teases sickening twist in Joel's trial as Avani gives evidence tomorrow

Joel's trial continues... with shocking consequences
Claire Crick

Vicki Fowler woke up in Zack’s bed full of guilt in today’s episode of EastEnders (Wednesday, January 28), but she didn’t have time to give what happened the night before much thought as Joel’s trial loomed.

She snuck home, only to be caught by a worried Ross, who had been waiting for her. She lied that she had slept the night at Mark’s. But she felt awful when Ross was nothing but supportive about the day ahead.

Joel arriving in court for his trial in EastEnders
Joel’s court case got off to a dramatic start (Credit: BBC)

EastEnders: Joel’s trial started

On the way to the taxi, Vicki made sure she covered her tracks by telling her little brother that if anyone asks, she spent the night at his. Before Mark could quizz her about what she’d been up to, Zack arrived.

After the most awkward taxi journey ever, with Zack, Vicki and Ross making small talk, it was time for Vicki to give evidence in court. Mark and Zack were there as backup, even though they weren’t allowed in the courtroom.

While everyone else was out of earshot, Vicki told Zack they couldn’t let last night happen again. He reluctantly agreed, but looked disappointed.

Vicki giving evidence in court
Vicki faced Joel for the first time since the attack (Credit: BBC)

Joel hadn’t changed

As Joel talked to his lawyer, it turned out a stint in prison hadn’t changed him at all. He was still as cocky as he’d always been, and was adamant he’d done nothing wrong and would be home by dinnertime.

Ross didn’t seem to share his son’s enthusiasm. When the trial started, he struggled to listen to Vicki’s account of what happened the night Joel attacked her.

As Vicki bravely told the court how Joel beat her up and then filmed her with his phone, she was understandably upset. It seemed things had gone well until Joel’s lawyer started grilling her in the stand. He made her out to be the guilty one, called her a cheat, and blamed her for why Joel hated women.

As the whole ordeal became too much for Vicki, she broke down in tears and ran from the court. However, instead of realising the error of his ways, Joel smirked as she left, leaving Ross sickened.

Joel in court with Ross for his trial in EastEnders
Joel’s lawyer gave poor Vicki a grilling (Credit: BBC)

EastEnders: Joel’s trial was in tatters

As Vicki dashed out of the courtroom, Mark and Zack watched her leave in shock.

She told them what had happened, and things only got worse when Ross raced out after her. She accused him of not having her back in court, but he pointed out that he would have been thrown out of the room.

Having had enough of the whole thing, Vicki announced that she didn’t care what happened to Joel, and left the courthouse, leaving Mark, Ross and Zack watching her go.

The drama continues tomorrow

The court case continues tomorrow, and this time Avani is giving evidence. While she bravely tells everyone what Joel did to her, Ravi is nowhere to be seen.

Despite promising to support her, Ravi gets distracted when someone gives him an important job as a police informant. Priya fumes that he failed to show up when his daughter needed him the most, and Ravi once again feels full of self-loathing.

Later, Joel asks Ross to visit him, but when his dad refuses, he asks another Walford resident. This visit changes everything in the court case – but who does Joel talk to?

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