EastEnders spoilers follow.
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct.
EastEnders' Joel Marshall crosses a criminal line next week when his appalling actions escalate and he assaults a stranger on the tube.
Horrified by his actions, the woman reports Joel. But when Ross Marshall and Vicki Fowler learn the truth, will they be able to steer him onto the right path?
"Joel's mindset is twisted and dangerous," says our Walford source. "He's already taken a photo under a girl's skirt and filmed Avani without her consent. The internet is corrupting his view on women, and his attitude is chilling."
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The assault occurs as Joel and Tommy Moon are messing around on the tube home, and Joel badgers Tommy to film him.
Oblivious to his plan, Tommy enjoys spending time with his mate, but his fun turns to horror when he watches Joel pretend to fall against a fellow passenger and touch her inappropriately.
Once the train arrives at the next station, the young woman, Isla, reports Joel to the staff. Immediately, Joel is apprehended, leaving Ross and Vicki stunned to see him in such deep trouble.
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"Vicki's relieved that Isla reported Joel," explains our insider. "She knows that her stepson's sinister behaviour is the reason they had to leave Australia, and they need to nip his depraved actions in the bud."
Offering comfort to Joel's victim, Vicki gives Isla her number in case she needs anything, hopeful that her report will scare Joel into good behaviour. Ross tries to talk to his son, but every word out of Joel's mouth is a lie.
As Ross sinks into despair about his boy's future, Vicki comes up with a desperate new solution to keep their family from falling apart.
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"Vicki bribes Isla into dropping her complaint," our source confirms. "Going back on her word, Vicki promises Isla that they'll make Joel understand the seriousness of what he did. But will Joel ever learn his lesson if his parents take the easy way out?"
Later in the week, a spooked Tommy tries to swerve Joel, afraid of being associated with his crimes against women. However, Vicki corners him, threatening the teen to keep his mouth shut about Isla – or she'll land him in it.
Will Tommy be able to stand up to Joel and avoid following his dark path?
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
