EastEnders is set to wrap up one of this year’s biggest stories, following the news that Joel Marshall is leaving the show. The BBC soap has been exploring the issue of radicalised misogyny with the teenager ever since he arrived in Walford earlier this year.

Joel’s shocking behaviour took a horrifying turn when he viciously attacked his stepmum Vicki Fowler in harrowing scenes earlier this month. Since then, it’s been reported that Joel’s big issue-based story will end, as Max Murray – who plays him – is bowing out.

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Although the nature of Joel’s exit story is being kept under wraps for now, here are all the ways it will shake up EastEnders…

1. No redemption arc

While Joel’s brutal attack on Vicki seemed to rule out any chance of redemption, the EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere documentary left some viewers wondering if the show might still explore one.

In fact, news of Joel’s exit disappointed many fans, who felt there was still plenty of mileage in his character and story, not least because Max Murray’s performance has been outstanding.

However, it seems that EastEnders is planning to strike while the iron is hot with this and wrap up the plot while it’s still timely and relevant. Although stretching out storylines can be tempting, it often risks them going off course, as we’ve seen in the past.

Joel’s crimes would likely have made a proper redemption quite difficult anyway, and while details of his exit story are still under wraps, it appears that the show is steering him towards facing consequences in some way, rather than reform. Speaking of which…

2. A trial?

EastEnders loves a big week in court, so could Joel be the next character to stand trial for his crimes?

The teenager has been charged for both his attack on Vicki and for filming his sexual encounter with Avani without her consent, and a prison sentence is currently looking highly likely.

When announcing his exit, a source said there was “still lots to come in the weeks ahead that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats”. Will Joel be forced to face the consequences in court?

3. Tommy redeemed

With a redemption for Joel seemingly ruled out, all eyes are now on his sidekick Tommy Moon.

Tommy has been left to pick up the pieces of his misguided alliance with Joel in recent weeks and was quizzed by the police for the role he played in covering up the attack on Vicki.

Let’s not forget that Tommy has his own complicated history with violence and was once removed from his family home for hurting his mum Kat and brothers Bert and Ernie.

Unlike Joel, Tommy appears genuinely remorseful for his actions and seems far more likely to emerge from this as a better person.

Joel’s upcoming exit will allow EastEnders to shift the focus on to Tommy as he attempts to navigate life away from his ‘friend’s’ frightening influence.

4. Vicki and Ross’s relationship explored

Recent scenes saw Vicki end her relationship with Ross in the wake of her brutal attack, adamant that she could not be part of a family that had Joel in it.

Ross, naively, had been hoping that he and Vicki could stick together for Joel’s upcoming court appearance, but faced a further blow when he discovered he was being turfed out of Sharon’s house as well.

With no partner, and no place to stay, life is looking bleak for Ross, but news of Joel’s exit has naturally led to speculation about what could be next for him.

Could there be a potential way back for Vicki and Ross once Joel is out of the way? That remains to be seen, but either way, EastEnders bosses now have an opportunity to explore their relationship in a new light.

Ever since they arrived on the Square, Ross and Vicki’s story has fundamentally centred around Joel and his worrying behaviour. And while Vicki has other ties in the Square, Ross doesn’t and will therefore need a new focus if he is going to stick around longer-term.

5. A new start for Avani?

She’s had the year from hell and Avani’s ordeal intensified when she learned the extent of Joel’s inexplicable behaviour last week.

With Joel leaving, Avani will have the opportunity to move on with her life without the worry of seeing him every day.

Fans will have to wait and see whether she plays any part in his exit story, but regardless, what does the future hold for Avani now?