BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Sep 19 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 19 2025 EastEnders fans U-turn on 'hated' character following Julie and Joel scenes A fierce debate took place Joel Marshall Julie Bates Share By Joel Harley Sep 19 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 19 2025 Fans of EastEnders have undergone a change of opinion on Julie Bates following last night’s episode (Thursday, September 19), in which she sat down to talk sense into toxic teenager Joel Marshall. At the end of her tether, Vicki had enlisted Julie’s help in talking to Joel. This came after his latest act of defiance – stealing Zoe’s credit card to pay for a trip to Birmingham, where he and Tommy attended a live podcast returning by Drake Zagan. After returning to Walford, Vicki shared her frustration with Julie, who agreed to step in. Julie tried to talk to Joel (Credit: BBC) EastEnders fans praise ‘redemption arc Queen’ Julie in Joel debate As these scenes aired, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the episode. And, as she spoke with Joel, many found themselves warming to the previously controversial Julie. While some had previously criticised her overbearing approach to Nigel’s care – and denial when it comes to his condition – her demeanor with Joel marked a sudden turning point. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers “Not her biggest fan but I do like the writers giving Julie interactions outside of Nigel as well,” wrote one fan on X. “The evil Julie was less evil today,” commented another. “Welp I actually really like Julie after this, damn it,” a third said. “Our redemption arc queen,” said a fourth, sharing an image of the pair together. On Reddit, another wrote: “Didn’t care for her before but this was a really nice episode with her, showed her softer side and that she does care.” But was Julie successful in making Joel reconsider his position? Joel responded by threatening Vicki as soon as Julie had gone (Credit: BBC) Joel issued a fresh threat to shocked Vicki Well… no. Although Julie did manage to puncture Joel’s smug facade, it wasn’t long before he was back to his old ways. After a conversation with Tommy – who impressed him with (fake) stories about battering off Greg Dolan, he returned home. And, cornering Vicki, he warned her never to ’embarrass’ him like that again. Vicki was left stunned as menacing Joel then stalked out of the kitchen, seemingly no better off than when he’d started. Is there any getting through to Joel? Or is he, as Julie warned, set down an even darker and more depraved path? 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 Sep 19 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 19 2025
