EastEnders enthusiasts are speculating that the latest addition to the Square, Joel Marshall (portrayed by Max Murray), is actually the offspring of a previous Walford resident and still has blood relatives residing in the area.
Just this week, Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) made her return to the Square ahead of her uncle Martin's funeral, bringing along her new beau Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and his lad Joel.
Their relationship, however, has been clouded with scandal due to its adulterous beginnings, as Vicki was unfaithful to Alfie Moon's (Shane Richie) younger sibling Spencer (Christopher Parker) with his best mate.
Within their first few hours in Walford, Vicki and Ross were already attempting to gather funds to pay off some debts, with Vicki seeking financial help from Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).
But it wasn't long before Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) uncovered the truth behind her sister Vicki's monetary requests, revealing that the debts were solely Ross's, not shared as initially suggested, reports Plymouth Live.
However, during Thursday's episode (3rd April), Ross confessed his love for Joel and admitted that all his debt was due to his son's actions.
Despite the enigma surrounding Ross and Joel's debt to an unknown individual, EastEnders fans are certain that Joel is the biological child of Joe Wicks (Paul Nicholls).
Joe first appeared on EastEnders back in 1996, when he fled his home in Bolton to seek out his father David Wicks (Michael French) in Albert Square.
Joe's mum Lorraine (Jacqueline Leonard) came down to London and quickly encountered her estranged husband. The repeated infidelities of David led their marriage to break down, with the old tensions potentially spoiling Joe's hope for a family get-together.
Additionally, Joe is half-brother to Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and Ian Beale's nephew.
Most fans vividly recall Joe from his storyline concerning his battle with schizophrenia, which received praise for being a sensitive and accurate portrayal of mental illness.
His struggle with the condition was compounded by the guilt he felt over his sister Karen’s death in a car crash.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Joe even tried to take his own life, went so far as to hide his cat Nellie Ellis’ body in his bedroom, and plastered his walls with newspaper clippings about extraterrestrials.
Ultimately, Joe sought help from his parents and learned to manage his schizophrenia, leading both him and Lorraine to return home to Bolton in 1997.
Surprisingly though, Joe made an unexpected comeback in EastEnders on 10th October 2024. However, he didn't physically return to the square; instead, he made a video call to his father David.
The return initiated a flurry of speculation among the audience, with one viewer posting on X: "Smithy isn't Joe(l) Wicks' real father I'm calling it now. #EastEnders."
Another followed up: "What in the Joe Wicks is happening #EastEnders", while a third commented: "Why did I instantly think this was Joe Wicks' kid."
One fan was particularly struck by the resemblance: "HE IS THE SPIT OF JOE WICKS AND HIS NAME IS BASICALLY JOE WITH AN "L" #EastEnders".
"They really are trying to bring the 90s back to the square. Making Joel have the Joe Wicks 90s curtains hairdo. #EastEnders", commented one viewer.
Another also chimed in, saying: "Joel reminds me of Joe Wicks. Not the personal trainer. #EastEnders."
EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
English (United States) ·