EastEnders' Joel Marshall's brutal attack has left Walford asking one big question: who wanted revenge badly enough to leave him fighting for his life? Following Joel's attack, he even showed little compassion for him, despite the clear danger he was in. This new closeness, particularly due to Joel's past with girls, could have raised concerns for Jean. Joel was previously convicted after a brutal assault on Vicki, his stepmother, leaving her seriously injured and traumatised. Since Joel's attack, Vicki has tried to move on from their complex history, supporting him throughout the ordeal.