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Joel’s Shocking Return With Revenge | EastEnders 

EastEnders fans who thought the BBC soap wrapped up 2025 with maximum drama have been warned to brace themselves, because according to executive producer Ben Wade, the real storm is only just beginning. As Walford marches boldly into 2026, viewers can expect a relentless wave of twists, emotional fallout, and long-running consequences that will reshape Albert Square in ways no one sees coming.

Ben has revealed that the transition into the new year will be marked by a special flashforward episode airing on New Year’s Day, a bold storytelling move that jumps ahead to the same date in 2027. This episode will shine a powerful spotlight on Max Branning and the wider Branning family, confirming them as central players in some of the show’s biggest future storylines. While precise plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, Ben has made it clear that what unfolds in this flashforward will not be a throwaway gimmick. Instead, it will spark long-term repercussions, with ripple effects that stretch across months — and possibly years — of storytelling.

Crucially, viewers won’t be left waiting a full year to understand what they’ve seen. Ben teased that clues, hints, and partial revelations will surface almost immediately, with new layers being peeled back month by month. Scenes shown in the flashforward will later be revisited, reinterpreted, and reframed as fresh footage and unseen perspectives come to light. Moments that initially seem straightforward may eventually take on an entirely different meaning, proving once again that in Walford, nothing is ever as simple as it first appears.

Joel Marshall Returns — And the Fallout Is Explosive

Among the most talked-about developments heading into 2026 is the return of troubled teen Joel Marshall, whose past actions continue to haunt those around him. Following the explosive misogyny storyline that dominated the previous year and ended with Joel’s arrest, the show will soon depict his court trial on screen. In a move that leaves many characters baffled and angered, Joel is expected to plead not guilty, forcing those affected by his behavior to relive their trauma in a very public courtroom battle.

This decision places Vicki under intense emotional strain. Although she tries to remain loyal to Ross, she increasingly associates him with everything tied to Joel and the pain he caused. As those feelings curdle into resentment and confusion, Vicki finds her attention drifting toward Zack, setting the stage for a classic EastEnders love triangle early in the new year. With loyalties tested and emotions running high, this storyline promises heartbreak, betrayal, and explosive confrontations.

Revenge, Redemption, and Raw Emotion Across Walford

Revenge is another major theme shaping early 2026. Harry Mitchell is set to embark on a powerful revenge storyline, one that intersects with ongoing arcs involving Phil Mitchell and Nigel. Ben has described these scenes as deeply grounded and emotionally rich, praising the performances and suggesting that these relationships will act as a guiding thread for viewers throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Ravi Gulati faces a reckoning of his own. As he begins to confront the consequences of his past actions, the weight of his behavior takes a serious toll on both his mental health and his family dynamics. Ravi’s arc is expected to be raw and introspective, exploring how unresolved guilt and long-buried choices can quietly destroy a person from the inside out.

Alongside these darker threads, the show is also embracing a different emotional tone with the introduction of Bea, played by Ronnie Anona, whose casting Ben has spoken about with clear admiration. Bea is introduced as an old school friend of Linda Carter, someone whose memories of the past sharply contrast with Linda’s own fractured self-image. Bea’s arrival brings a sense of tragic comedy, as her upbeat nostalgia clashes with the reality of who Linda has become.

Bea is portrayed as someone who quickly forms attachments, embedding herself not only in Linda’s life but also in the lives of several other Walford residents. Billy and Honey Mitchell are set to play a significant role in this storyline, becoming deeply involved in a plot Ben describes as one that frequently has the writing team laughing and crying in equal measure. Emotional, funny, and painfully honest, this arc is expected to resonate strongly with viewers.

A Christmas Death That Changed Everything

As Walford looks ahead, it is still reeling from one of its most devastating moments — the shocking Christmas Day death of Anthony Truman, who was killed off exactly 25 years after first arriving in Albert Square. The character met a tragic end following a violent confrontation with Zoe Slater, with Chrissie Watts later confirming his death in a brutal festive twist that left fans stunned.

Actor Nick Bailey has spoken candidly about the emotional roller coaster surrounding Anthony’s exit. For him, the festive storyline was both heartbreaking and uplifting, offering the rare privilege of being part of a major Christmas plot — even one that ended in tragedy. In the days leading up to his death, Anthony uncovered life-altering secrets, discovering he was the father of Zoe’s twin children, while remaining unaware that newcomer Jasmine was also his daughter. The mounting tension eventually exploded, sealing his fate.

Nick admitted he was saddened by how Anthony’s journey ended so soon after his return, but also deeply proud of the material he was given. He described the storyline as demanding, intense, and far more rewarding than he had anticipated, pushing him beyond familiar territory with emotionally charged scenes and powerful dialogue. Although devastated to say goodbye to the character, he acknowledged that such bold twists often create the most compelling drama.

Hidden Secrets, Explosive Reveals, and Lasting Impact

Reflecting on the storyline, Nick revealed his genuine shock at the twist involving Zoe’s babies and the darker side of Anthony that emerged. Like many viewers, he never suspected Anthony was the father, praising the writers for keeping the secret so convincingly hidden. In hindsight, he felt the arc stayed true to Anthony’s character — a man who bottled up his emotions until they finally erupted, leading to his ultimate breaking point.

Despite the tragic ending, Nick looks back on his return with warmth and gratitude. He highlighted several personal highs, including reuniting with long-standing characters, Patrick and Yolande’s wedding, and the explosive feud in which Anthony exposed Howie to those closest to him. One of the most meaningful surprises was being reunited on screen with Michelle Ryan, a return he hadn’t known about when he agreed to reprise his role. Their unexpected reunion added an extra layer of emotion and nostalgia, reigniting a long-standing friendship and creative chemistry.

As EastEnders moves deeper into 2026, Ben Wade has promised that the show’s storytelling will remain bold, layered, and unpredictable. With the flashforward episode continuing to unravel, Joel’s return igniting chaos, revenge arcs gaining momentum, and emotional fallout still spreading from Anthony’s death, Walford is entering one of its most intense eras yet.

Ben hopes that by slowly revealing the truth — revisiting scenes, adding new context, and reframing what viewers think they know — the eventual payoffs will feel earned and deeply satisfying. One thing is certain: EastEnders is far from slowing down, and the year ahead promises heartbreak, shock, and unforgettable drama that will keep fans glued to Albert Square.