Trigger Warning: This article discusses the plot of a fictional television programme, EastEnders, which includes graphic references to domestic violence, physical assault, misogyny, and a character being left bloodied and lifeless. Reader discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed in this storyline, please seek help and support.
The streets of Walford are set to see a horrifying new low as Vicki Fowler is violently attacked and left for dead by her stepson Joel Marshall in Thursday’s episode of EastEnders. This sinister plot twist, which airs on BBC One tonight, forms a critical part of the soap’s powerful storyline about toxic masculinity.
Ahead of the highly anticipated and crucial broadcast, the actress behind the character, Alice Haig, spoke out about the episode’s importance and her character’s dramatic future. Alice Haig, best known for playing Vicki Fowler, appeared on the ITV breakfast show Good Morning Britain on Thursday morning, joining hosts Kate Garraway and Ed Balls to discuss the difficult topic.
Admitting the next chapter for Vicki will be tough, the EastEnders star confessed that her character’s future would involve ‘a really difficult time.’
The Importance of the EastEnders Attack From the Victim’s Viewpoint
The actress stressed the gravity of how the attack will be portrayed to millions of viewers. Alice Haig highlighted the significance of the episode’s focus, saying: ‘We have the attack tonight (October 9) and of course, really importantly we are going to see it from the victim’s point of view.’
She drew a comparison to previous narratives on the subject: ‘There have been amazing dramas made about this subject already, you know Adolescence, fantastic piece of drama but focus very much on the boy and his family.’
In contrast, EastEnders will show the harrowing aftermath through Vicki’s perspective. Speaking about the profound way the violent moment affects her character, Haig continued: ‘We’re going to see Vicki having the wind completely knocked out of her sails and her confidence in men completely shot. She starts to look around and see misogyny everywhereand I think that is really difficult for her.’
This immediate and damaging emotional toll forms the heart of the storyline’s message.
Vicki Fowler’s Final Confrontation Before the EastEnders Beating
The special episode sees Joel Marshall, played by actor Max Murray, sink to new, desperate lows. His horrific actions began with him showing an extreme adult video in school after hacking into a teacher’s laptop.
His descent continued when he went on to attack his schoolmate Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) after she confronted him about leering at her throughout his sordid actions. That confrontation exploded into a major row when Amy ran home to tell her father what had happened, which launched a row as Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), Denise Fox (Diane Parish), and Priya Nadra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) confronted Joel’s dad, Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw), about what his son had done.
As usual, Ross defended his son before dragging him home and confronting him. However, as Joel wound him up, Vicki intervened, sending Ross out before he did something he would regret. Tragically, this act of protection would be something she would come to regret.
In a desperate attempt to connect, Vicki thought she could get through to Joel and tried talking to him. She directly challenged his hateful viewpoints, matching him and counteracting all his misogynistic points. Pushing him to the edge, Vicki tore into her stepson, finally delivering the words that broke him: ‘You know what you can take your toxic masculinity and go and live with your mum.’
As he raged about hating women like Vicki and his teacher, Joel snapped. He then punched her to the floor. As Vicki tried desperately to get up, the thug mocked her before filming her struggle as he carried on beating her. Joel then fled the house, callously leaving Vicki lifeless and bloodied on the floor.
Alice Haig’s Call to Action Following the EastEnders Plot
Beyond the intense drama, Alice Haig emphasised that the EastEnders episode has a powerful real-world purpose. The star stressed the need for open communication about these serious issues.
‘Also I feel like this episode tonight is all about talking to our children and that feels like the most important thing. Not attacking them, not berating them, not lecturing them but talking to our children about these things,’ the actress explained, offering a direct call to action for the audience.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6 a.m.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
