EastEnders fans are buzzing with speculation after a recent revelation seemingly put an end to a major fan theory, but many are still convinced they’ve cracked the case of Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) mysterious mother. The troubled teen’s behavior has been spiraling since his arrival on Albert Square, but could there be more to his family history than we know?

Joel’s Troubled Past and the Unraveling Mystery

Joel, who has been forced to stay in Walford after a series of serious offenses in Australia, has become a central figure in the drama. From upskirting a classmate to engaging in inappropriate online behavior and even assaulting a tube passenger, his dark past is catching up with him. His father, Ross (Alex Walkinshaw), is struggling to manage Joel’s increasingly erratic behavior.

The drama reaches a new level when Joel discovers that his estranged mother, Cleo, is remarrying. This news triggers a deep sense of resentment in Joel, who has had a difficult relationship with his mother since childhood. Cleo, whom Joel refers to disparagingly as a “slapper,” had abandoned him as a child. Until recently, the only thing viewers knew about her was that she had distanced herself from Joel, and it seemed as though the possibility of knowing her identity was now in the past.

Zoe Slater Theory: Is She Joel’s Mother?

However, some EastEnders fans are still convinced that Joel’s real mother could be none other than EastEnders icon Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan). While the revelation of Cleo’s name seemed to rule out this theory, it hasn’t stopped fans from speculating.

The theory gained significant traction due to Zoe’s long absence from the show and the mystery surrounding her life since she left Albert Square. After years spent living in Ibiza and largely being estranged from her family, Zoe’s history has been kept vague. This lack of closure has led fans to wonder whether she might have a hidden connection to Joel, especially since little has been revealed about Cleo’s backstory until now.

Adding fuel to the fire, a recent incident in the show saw Joel make an unknowing reference to one of EastEnders‘ most iconic scenes. In 2001, Zoe had a dramatic confrontation with her sister, Kat (Jessie Wallace), when Zoe discovered that Kat was actually her mother. This shocking moment has gone down in EastEnders history when Zoe, who was preparing to leave for a new life in Spain, yelled at Kat, “You ain’t my mother!” To which Kat responded, “Yes I am!”

In a recent heated argument with Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), Joel’s words echoed those of Zoe from years ago. “Well, you ain’t my mum, you don’t get to tell me what to do!” Joel shouted, mirroring the famous lines from Zoe’s past. Was this just a coincidence, or could it hint at a deeper connection between Joel and Zoe?

Is Zoe Really Joel’s Mother?

Despite the confirmation of Cleo as Joel’s mother, the possibility that Zoe could be involved in Joel’s family tree still lingers in the minds of fans. The fact that Joel’s behavior and words mirror Zoe’s explosive history with Kat is certainly a noteworthy detail. While Cleo’s identity may have been revealed, the connection between Joel and Zoe continues to spark fan theories and fuel speculation.

Zoe’s brief return to EastEnders in June raised even more questions. Could there be a twist in store for viewers that ties her more directly to Joel’s storyline? As of now, it seems unlikely, but EastEnders is no stranger to unexpected twists and surprises, so fans are holding onto hope that this theory might not be as far-fetched as it seems.

What’s Next for Joel and His Family?

For now, Joel’s family drama is far from over. With his relationship with Ross becoming increasingly strained, and his discovery about Cleo’s remarriage weighing heavily on him, there’s no telling what explosive revelations are still to come. Will Joel find peace with his past, or will more shocking family secrets come to light?

As EastEnders continues to deliver twists and turns, fans will undoubtedly keep questioning the true identity of Joel’s mother and whether Zoe Slater might play a bigger role in his story than anyone has anticipated.

Stay tuned to EastEnders for more explosive moments, and keep watching to see if the mystery of Joel’s family will ever truly be solved!