All EastEnders spoilers for next week as returning villain is brutalised in revenge attack

A composite image of Joel Marshall against an EastEnders background — Hardly a welcome return (Picture: BBC/Metro)

Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) return continues to cause chaos throughout Albert Square, but it’s clear that the appetite for revenge against him is strong next week in EastEnders.

While Vicki and Ross Marshall (Alice Haig and Alex Walkinshaw) struggle to deal with his re-emergence, Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) has no intentions of making his return an easy one, and when she rounds up the other Walford teens, will Joel regret stepping foot back on the square?

The sexual tension between Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) continues to crackle as their stolen car scheme continues to intensify, how long can Lauren deny her obvious attraction and remain loyal to husband, Peter Beale (Thomas Law)?

Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) continue to struggle being vulnerable with each other as they both suffer separately in the face of Denise’s cancer battle. Can some unlikely advice from Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) help bring them together?

Elsewhere, Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) instantly taken by a brand new face and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) faces the very real possibility that he’ll be heading for a stint in the clink.

Ready to dive in? Goggles on, huns!

Monday, July 20

Avani, Denzel and Barney sat on a bench near Joel in EastEnders — Joel’s return continues to cause problems (Picture: BBC)

Lauren and Mark exchange fierce words and later, she learns he hasn’t put fake plates on the dodgy car he’s selling. He’s forced to speed away from a police car and call her for help, but it’s soon evident that beneath their tension lies passion. Lauren flees, but Mark calls her later to talk.

While Ross attempts to secure Joel a sixth form place, he finds himself on the receiving end of Nugget Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) Avani’s fury. Just as Ross manages to put that fire out, he’s faced with another when Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) arrive to lay into them over Joel’s presence. While Vicki struggles with his presence, Joel books a train ticket, determined to leave.

Elsewhere, Jack is crestfallen when he’s given compassionate leave at work, and he struggles with Denise’s inability to open up to him, while Linda’s dancing lesson at the community centre hits a snag.

Tuesday, July 21

Clive stood in Peacock Palace in EastEnders — Jason Durr arrives as Clive (Picture: BBC)

Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) reaches out to Joel after she spies him helping Janet Mitchell (Grace), leading him to open up to her about the horrific time he faced in prison, though the arrival of Jean Slater (Gillian Wright), Amy and Avani ruins the moment. Ross pleads with Joel to stay when he finds him at the train station, but the Square at large are furious that he won’t be going anywhere.

While Denise and Jack are still miles apart, Phil steps in to offer his own support. While Denise finally talks to Jack about her friends death, he struggles to open up in return and leaves.

Meanwhile, Lauren meets with Mark, Linda is instantly attracted to Clive Masters (Jason Durr), the councillor she’s courted to help save the community centre and Ian plans drinks for what could be his last night of freedom.

Wednesday, July 22

Joel stood in Walford in EastEnders — Joel is subjected to an attack (Picture: BBC)

Vengeful Avani hatches a plan with Amy, and they approach Joel, asking him to join them for an end of term celebration. With Ross’s blessing, he attends, though when he does, Avani, Nugget, Barney, Lily, Amy, Ricky, Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega) and Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman) reveal the ruse and chain him to a fence, soaking him with beer and filming his humiliation.

As Lauren lavishes attention on Peter, the ensuing Beale celebration to toast Ian is scuppered when Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) arrives and questions them harshly. When Ian flees, followed by Lauren, he questions her as to whether she’s hiding a secret.

Also, Linda rallies to women of Walford to save the community centre, and she’s even more ecstatic when Clive arrives to offer his support.

Thursday, July 23

Jack sat beside Denise's hospital bed in Emmerdale — Jack and Denise reconnect (Picture: BBC)

Ian buys Lauren’s story, and later heads to Peacock Palace to spend the night with Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who’s focussed on playing matchmaker for Clive and Linda.

The walls finally come down for Denise and Jack and they fully open up to each other, fixing their relationship. The moment is spoiled, though, when Jack receives a call regarding what happened to Joel.