BBC Share By Claire Crick Jan 29 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 29 2026 Joel's fate is confirmed as Vicki makes a huge decision about her future in early iPlayer release A shock twist changes everything... Joel Marshall Vicki Fowler Share By Claire Crick Jan 29 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 29 2026 WARNING: This article is full of spoilers for today’s episode of EastEnders, which is streaming on BBC iPlayer now, but has not yet aired on BBC One – in which Joel’s fate is revealed. As Joel’s trial continues in EastEnders today (Thursday, January 29), Avani takes to the stand to give evidence. But it is only when Joel gets a mystery visitor that the whole court case is turned on its head. Vicki is still struggling after her traumatic day in court, where Joel’s solicitor made out that she is the reason Joel hates women so much. Struggling with what was said, Vicki is adamant she isn’t going back to the courthouse. However, a chat with brave Avani makes her see things differently, and they both arrive to give evidence against the teenager. Joel’s meeting with Tommy doesn’t go his way (Credit: BBC) Tommy seals Joel’s fate? Meanwhile, Joel is more confident than ever that he is going to get out of prison after what happened with Vicki yesterday. However, his happy outlook is crushed when his solicitor tells him his dad has refused his visiting request. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Instead, upset Joel asks to see Tommy instead… something Kat and Alfie aren’t happy about. They accompany Tommy to see Joel before the trial resumes. But they don’t need to worry, because Tommy stands his ground with Joel. Tommy tells Joel they’re not friends and that if he were a real man, he would admit to what he has done and take the punishment. With Tommy’s words ringing in his ears, Joel heads into court where Vicki bravely continues to give evidence. Joel’s trial continues in EastEnders (Credit: BBC) Avani gives evidence at Joel’s trial Next up is Avani, who does an amazing job at telling the court what happened to her. She explains that Joel filmed them having sex without her consent and then shared the video online. Joel smirks as she is talking, and Avani sees red, shouting at him that this is anything but a joke as she storms out of the court. With the evidence over, it is time for Joel to take the stand. He starts with his usual defence, blaming everyone else and not admitting that anything that happened was his fault. However, Ross can’t take any more and talks over his son, telling everyone that this has nothing to do with Vicky. Ross stands up for his girlfriend, and with the courtroom door slightly ajar, Vicki hears everything. At last, some of what Ross says sinks in, and Joel asks to speak with his brief. Avani bravely gives evidence at Joel’s trial in EastEnders (Credit: BBC) EastEnders: Joel’s fate is revealed Later, when the court continues, Joel’s fate is confirmed. Vicki and Avani are shocked when it is announced that Joel has changed his plea to guilty for all three charges against him. Grievous bodily harm, voyerism and taking and distributing indecent images of a child. Joel breaks down into tears as he is told that the court is adjourned while a report is written on him, and he will be sentenced at a later date. As he is taken off, Avani looks on in shock, while Vicki breaks down in tears. Relieved it is all finally over. Later, as everyone heads to The Vic, Ross goes to see his son before he heads back to prison. Joel finally says sorry for what he has done, and the pair hug, with Ross relieved that Joel seems to have taken responsibility for his actions at last. In The Vic, everyone wants to celebrate, but it doesn’t sit right with Vicki. While she is pleased it’s all over, she says Joel isn’t evil; he is just lost. Joel’s fate is revealed after he finally sees the error of his ways (Credit: BBC) Vicki breaks Zack’s heart Later, Zack asks Vicki what happens next, and she tells him she is going back to work at the cafe. But he was asking about what happens next with them, and she rells hgim she loves Ross. Ross walks into the pub, and Vicki rushes to him, telling him she is always going to be there for him and gives him a huge hug. With Vicki having made her choice, heartbroken Zack gets his coat and walks out. Is this really the end of the pair? 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 29 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 29 2026 Next Story
