EastEnders fans are holding tight to one explosive theory. And no, it’s not going away anytime soon. As Joel Marshall continues to cause chaos across Walford, some viewers are still convinced there’s a Slater-shaped twist coming. Keep scrolling to know more.
Viewers Smell a Set-Up
Ever since Joel came to Albert Square, things have only gone downhill. First, we learned he committed a disturbing crime back in Australia. He filmed an underage classmate without consent, and his father, Ross, paid off the family with fifty grand to stay silent. Since then, things haven’t exactly calmed down.
He’s uploaded graphic adult content. He’s come between Tommy Moon and Avani. He even assaulted a stranger on the tube. Ross is overwhelmed, and things aren’t slowing down for Joel.
But when Joel mentioned his estranged mum, Cleo, was getting remarried, fans were quick to focus on that name reveal. Until now, viewers had been clinging to the idea that Joel’s real mum is none other than Zoe Slater.
EastEnders Fans Pick Up On Old Scene That’s Just Too Perfect
Let’s rewind. Zoe left Walford in 2005 and has barely been mentioned since. She cut ties with Kat, moved to Ibiza, and disappeared from the family’s life. So when Joel called his mum a ‘slapper’ and said she abandoned him, fans connected the dots. Could Zoe have given up a child after leaving?
Then it got weird. Joel said something that took everyone straight back to one of the show’s biggest moments. Back in 2001, Zoe screamed at Kat, “You ain’t my mother!” And Kat roared back, “Yes, I am!” That twist rocked viewers then. And this week, when Joel shouted at Vicki, “You ain’t my mum!” many took it as a hint. Was it just a coincidence? Or is EastEnders teasing something big?
One fan wrote on X, “I’m not buying this Cleo story. It’s a double bluff. Joel’s too connected to the Slaters not to be one.” Another said, “Joel has to be Zoe’s son. He treats every woman like dirt. Imagine if they’re all his relatives!”
Some believe Zoe changed her name to Cleo after vanishing from Walford. Not everyone’s on board, though. “If Zoe’s not Joel’s mum, that’s a relief,” one viewer admitted. Still, the theory’s not dead yet. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, follow Soap Opera Daily.