Note: This article contains discussion of domestic abuse and offensive views.
EastEnders actor Max Murray has shared a message with fans after the soap aired its darkest cliffhanger in months in last night's episode, one that his character Joel Marshall was a major part of.
Last night's special episode focused on the aftermath of an incident at school where Joel hit Amy Mitchell — an incident that viewers didn't get to see.
While the adults of Walford had a lot of divided opinions on a lot of things following the incident, Vicki Fowler worked out exactly why Joel acts the way he does.
She accused him of being massively insecure and afraid of everyone seeing him for the child that he is, and he decided to attack her and leave her barely conscious on the kitchen floor.
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After the episode aired, Joel actor Murray shared a pair of Instagram Stories where he heaped praised upon his fellow cast members and co-workers behind the scenes.
"I've just finished watching tonight's episode of EastEnders and EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere documentary and wow, just amazing performance from everyone in the episode, and the whole team is just amazing," he said.
"So thank you to everyone at EastEnders and everyone who's supported me and looked after me and thank you to each and every single one of you that are watching this right now.
"I do hope that the documentary and this storyline can at least raise awareness and start a conversation that we need to be having."
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There are spoilers out now about where the storyline will go next, as the community reacts to the attack on Vicki and Ross faces a major dilemma.
But given how deep Joel's disturbing views go, don't expect this storyline to end any time soon.
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 any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge and Women's Aid can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247.
The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
