BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Aug 7 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 7 2025 EastEnders fans praise Max Murray's performance as Joel's descent into darkness continues: 'Best child actor they've ever had' The actor delivered some powerful scenes this week Joel Marshall Max Murray Share By Joel Harley Aug 7 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 7 2025 Fans of EastEnders have been full of praise for star Max Murray following his recent scenes as teenage Joel Marshall. The youth took centre stage this week as his behaviour took another problematic turn, verbally lashing out at Kat, Vicki and Stacey. In last night’s episode (Wednesday, August 6), worried dad Ross tried to take his son in hand, but was disgusted when he learned that Joel had been up to his old tricks. Settling down for a beer with Joel, Ross joined the teen as he shared some of his favourite Drake Zagan videos. Clueless Ross may have had the blinkers on when he watched Drake’s videos, but he found it far harder to ignore the e-mail which flashed onto the screen next. Ross reached a breaking point with Joel (Credit: BBC) Horrified Ross took action Opening an e-mail addressed to Joel, Ross was disgusted to see that it contained a link to a video. That video apparently contained footage of a series of women, taken against their consent; in changing rooms and in public. Ross confronted his son, who was unrepentant until he destroyed the computer. Unable to look at Joel, Ross described him as a ‘pervert,’ and stormed away, leaving Joel to wallow in his upset. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers However, the lad clearly hasn’t gotten the message, with his bad behaviour set to continue in tonight’s episode. Max Murray stars as Joel Marshall (Credit: BBC) EastEnders full of praise for star Max Murray as Joel Joel’s descent into a life of inceldom may be hard to watch, but viewers aren’t holding his vile actions against star Max Murray, who plays the character. Quite the opposite, in fact. Fans have taken to social media to share their appreciation for Max’s performance, with some describing him as one of the best child actors the soap has ever had. “A moment of appreciation for Max Murray!” wrote one fan on X. “One of the best new additions to the young cast. Within such a short space of time – Joel has become one of EE’s most hated yet equally compelling and complex characters and that’s full credit to Max as an actor.” “The kid who plays Joel is the best child actor they’ve ever had. Such a natural actor. Very charismatic. Hope he is Zoe’s son and the future of the show,” said another. “Despite joel being some dutty boy, the actor is doing a great job,” a third agreed. “He may be playing a deeply unpleasant little [expletive], but I think Max Murray is doing such a great job,” a fourth wrote. Have you been impressed by Max’s performance on the soap? Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Aug 7 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 7 2025
