EastEnders: Vicki's Trauma, Joel's Plea & a Shock Kiss with Zack

Albert Square is about to get even more dramatic as Vicki Fowler deals with shocking news about Joel Marshall's attack, leading her into the unexpected arms of Zack Hudson.

TL;DR

• Vicki Fowler is grappling with the devastating news that Joel Marshall plans to plead not guilty to her attack.
• Amidst her turmoil, Vicki finds unexpected solace and shares a passionate kiss with Zack Hudson, which Kathy Beale catches.
• Other significant events include Ravi Gulati's family tensions, Zoe Slater's torment, and Jasmine Fisher's illicit activities.

Joel Marshall's Not Guilty Plea Rekindles Vicki Fowler's Nightmare

Imagine walking through life, trying to piece yourself back together after a traumatic event, only to have the past violently yanked back into your present. That's exactly where Vicki Fowler finds herself next week in EastEnders, and frankly, it's a gut punch.

Having been brutally attacked by her step-son Joel Marshall, Vicki has been struggling to move on. Just when she thought the worst was behind her, she gets hit with devastating news: Joel is planning to plead not guilty to the assault. This means instead of healing, Vicki will likely have to relive her ordeal in court, facing Joel once more.

This development sends Vicki into a spin, as revealed by actress Alice Haig, who plays Vicki. "It has a huge impact because if Joel had pleaded guilty, she would have been able to put the incident in the past," Haig explained. "Even though she would still be suffering with trauma, at least she wouldn’t have to relive what happened all over again in court." (Source: The Mirror, "EastEnders star backs shock romance as Vicki and Zack get passionate", November 11, 2025).

Adding another layer to her stress, Vicki also uncovers more secrets about Joel, leaving her reeling. Her ex-partner, Ross Marshall, Joel's father, initially reported his son, but his attempts to support Joel have made him something of a pariah, further complicating Vicki's path to recovery.

The Delicate Dance of Relationships: Ross Marshall's Fight for Vicki Fowler

Vicki's estranged partner, Ross, is caught in a difficult position, torn between supporting his son and the woman he loves. In upcoming episodes, he confronts Joel in prison, urging him to change his plea to guilty. Ross desperately hopes that if Joel takes responsibility, Vicki won't have to endure the trauma of a trial.

This effort comes after a brief thaw in his icy relationship with Vicki, when they even found themselves on the same quiz team at The Vic. Ross, feeling hopeful about rebuilding their life together, makes a grand romantic gesture to remind Vicki of their good times. However, his efforts fall flat, leaving Vicki unimpressed and perhaps signalling that their relationship might be beyond repair, at least for now.

Meanwhile, Tommy, who was complicit in Joel’s actions under the influence of misogynist influencer Drake Zagan, is also dealing with immense guilt. Vicki initially comes to his defense, acknowledging they were both victims of Joel's manipulation. But her understanding shatters when Amy reveals a crucial detail: Tommy only reported Joel to the police after he had hidden him in the garage for hours post-attack. This betrayal forces Vicki to relive the incident yet again, deeply feeling that Tommy didn't admit the whole truth earlier.

From Trauma to Unexpected Comfort: Vicki Fowler and Zack Hudson's Surprise Connection

Vicki’s journey through trauma is a complex one, pushing her to the brink. On one evening, while out with supportive Kathy, she’s triggered by a man making a girl uncomfortable, causing her pent-up frustration to erupt into turmoil and tears back home. It's a vivid example of how past experiences can cast long shadows, making seemingly ordinary situations incredibly difficult to navigate.

This highly emotional state leads to an unexpected encounter. During a quiz night, Vicki, having had "quite a bit to drink," spots Chelsea Fox's date, Damon, acting suspiciously. She overhears him on the phone, believing he's a cheat, and boldly exposes him in public. Later, unable to let it go, she follows him to the laundrette. When he becomes intimidating, Vicki, not in the right headspace, pushes him, causing him to fall and hit his head.

In this chaotic moment, Zack Hudson rushes to her rescue. As he comforts her, a heartfelt conversation ensues about how much her life has changed since Joel’s attack. It's a raw, vulnerable moment for Vicki, who isn't typically one to open up. "Zack is being such a good support to her in that moment, he’s listening, understanding and caring," actress Alice Haig noted. "That makes it easier for her to share how she’s feeling." (Source: The Mirror, "EastEnders star backs shock romance as Vicki and Zack get passionate", November 11, 2025).

Amidst this emotional intensity, things take a passionate turn. Vicki and Zack share a surprising kiss, only to be caught red-handed by Vicki’s great aunt, Kathy Beale. The duo quickly begs Kathy to keep their sudden moment a secret, fearing the repercussions, especially given that Zack is the brother of Sharon Watts, Vicki’s sister-in-law. Zack later apologizes to Kathy, asserting his genuine intentions with Vicki, though Kathy advises him to focus on his son, Barney Mitchell.

Quote Box: Alice Haig on the Unexpected Pairing

"Vicki insists to Kathy that this is just a moment of madness, and it will never happen again but who knows? I think it'd be brilliant because Zack and Ross have such different energies and characters, but they're also both really great men. I can completely understand why Vicky might be torn between them!"

— Alice Haig (Vicki Fowler actress), The Mirror, November 11, 2025

Walford's Other Residents Grapple with Deepening Troubles and Fresh Mysteries

While Vicki's storyline takes center stage, Albert Square is buzzing with other compelling dramas set to unfold between Monday, November 17th, and Thursday, November 20th. (Source: Radio Times, "5 Eastenders Spoilers next week: Surprise new romance for Vicki Fowler as Joel Marshall pledges to plead not guilty", November 11, 2025). The Panesar household, in particular, faces fresh challenges.

Suki and Eve Panesar-Unwin are nervously preparing for their adoption assessment, a process that is unfortunately complicated by Ravi Gulati's illicit drug dealing. Their family meeting with the social worker descends into chaos when Priya, Avani, and Nugget erupt in anger over Ravi's actions. Despite this stressful encounter, Suki and Eve are relieved to learn they've advanced to the next stage of the adoption process. However, Ravi's troubles escalate, as he returns home badly beaten after being dragged away by a group of men.

Elsewhere, Alfie Moon finds himself increasingly concerned for his stepdaughter, Zoe Slater, who appears to be targeted by an unknown tormentor. After malicious online reviews about the pub, mentioning Zoe, surface, Alfie, initially suspicious of Zoe's motives, asks Freddie to investigate. The mystery deepens when a disturbance in the barrel store reveals a threatening message and a mysterious earring, prompting Alfie to apologize for doubting Zoe.

On a lighter note, during the quiz night, Zoe plays matchmaker for Freddie Slater and Anna Knight. Despite Anna's plans for travelling, the two rekindle their romance, leaving viewers to wonder if they might leave Walford together. Meanwhile, a more sinister plot unfolds as Jasmine Fisher manipulates Oscar Branning into a criminal act, coercing him to steal Anthony's keys to the Panesar House surgery and break in to uncover secret information.

Navigating the Aftermath: Practical Takeaways for EastEnders Viewers

This intense week on EastEnders underscores how life in Walford often takes unpredictable turns, especially when dealing with trauma and unexpected connections. For viewers, it's a reminder of the raw emotions and complex relationships that define the show.

The unfolding events will test loyalties, reveal hidden truths, and potentially spark new beginnings. The show's ability to weave together these intricate plots keeps audiences captivated, illustrating how individual struggles resonate throughout the entire community.

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to EastEnders Next Week

• When do these new EastEnders episodes air? Episodes air Monday through Thursday at 7:30 PM on BBC One.
• Can I watch them earlier? Yes! Most episodes drop early at 6 AM on BBC iPlayer before their TV broadcast.
• What is the rating for EastEnders? EastEnders is generally rated PG, suitable for general viewing, but often contains scenes of moderate peril, violence, and adult themes.
• What is the typical runtime of an episode? Episodes usually run for about 30 minutes, including commercials.

Sources

• The Mirror, "EastEnders star backs shock romance as Vicki and Zack get passionate", November 11, 2025.
• Radio Times, "5 EastEnders spoilers next week: Surprise new romance for Vicki Fowler as Joel Marshall pledges to plead not guilty", November 11, 2025.
• SSBCrack News, "EastEnders: Vicki Fowler’s New Romance and Joel Marshall’s Plea Next Week", November 11, 2025.
• BBC, "EastEnders spoilers follow", (various articles mentioning broadcast times), (undated but current context of broadcast).