BBC Share By Claire Crick Jan 28 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 28 2026 EastEnders teases sickening twist in Joel's trial as Avani gives evidence tomorrow Joel's trial continues... with shocking consequences Avani Nandra-Hart Joel Marshall Vicki Fowler Share By Claire Crick Jan 28 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 28 2026 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’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. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers 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’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? What else happened in EastEnders tonight? While Vicki faced a horrific grilling by Joel's lawyer, Bea was on the hunt for a job. Also, Ian and Elaine's fight took a new turn... Bea shocked Honey with her Kung Fu moves Determined to make a fresh start in Albert Square, Bea decided it was time to get a job. When Ian flatly refused to employ her due to her links to Elaine, Bea decided to ask Honey about work at the Minute Mart. While Honey promised to pass on her CV to the Panesars, Bea made a good impression by wrestling a shiplifter to the ground. Will it be enough to land her a new job? Phil missed Nigel While Sam told Phil that she had an appointment the following week to discuss how her surgery went, Phil tells her they could do with some good news in the family. Still down about Nigel living across the Square at the B&B, Sam was adamant his best friend would be home soon. Is she right? Ian made a shocking confession With Kathy well and truly fed up with Ian and Elaine's feud, she refused to accept Elaine's appology and soon everyone was arguing in the cafe once again. Ian then played his trump card by telling Elaine that he was going to stand for Councilor Barker's now vacant seat on the council. Not only that, but his first role in the job will be to shut down Peacock Palace. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Claire Crick Jan 28 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 28 2026 Next Story
