EastEnders fans are convinced they have worked out who Joel Marshall’s real mum is after Zoe Slater gave birth to twins 19 years ago in a shock twist.
EastEnders has revealed that Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) became a mum following the birth of twins 19 years ago, but viewers are now doubting that her mystery lad is Joel Marshall (Max Murray).
During Wednesday’s dramatic return to Albert Square (September 3), Zoe was caught in the crossfire when Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) accidentally shot her during her emotional reunion with estranged mum Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace).
Whilst Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey) fought desperately to save his former flame’s life, an unconscious Zoe experienced flashbacks to 2006 when she delivered twins. Tragically, one of the babies didn’t survive, and she left her remaining son at the hospital, insisting he be put up for adoption.
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Meanwhile, since Joel’s arrival in Walford this year with dad Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and stepmother Vicki Fowler (Alex Haig), his birth mother’s identity has remained shrouded in mystery, with only the name Cleo being mentioned.
Many EastEnders enthusiasts were certain the schoolboy’s real mum was Zoe and anticipated an emotional mother-son reunion as she made her first return to Walford in two decades, reports Plymouth Live.
However, given that Zoe’s childbirth occurred in 2006, sharp-eyed fans have noted that Joel appears too young to be her offspring, as he’s believed to be approximately 15 years old rather than 19.
One viewer took to X, posting: “Even though I was convinced Joel was #Zoe’s baby I think he’s too young now we know she had a baby in 2006.
“So was she pregnant when she left in June 2005 could it be Anthony’s, Den or Dennis baby and how does #Max fit in! ! #EastEnder @bbceastenders.”
A second viewer chimed in: “I’m just grateful Joel isn’t her kid #eastenders.” While another added: “Me as soon as it said 2006 so it couldn’t be Joel #EastEnders.”
“Also – this does seem to remove Zoe’s connection to Joel officially because the mysterious kid was born in 2006 and Joel is fifteen. So that’s done. (Now I’ve done my maths.) So who the hell is the kid??? #EastEnders,” commented another fan.
“Can’t be Joel it’s too old , what an episode though!! #eastenders,” one viewer pointed out.
“As the flashback was 2006 and not 2009 then as it stands Zoe cannot be Joel’s mother unless she had other children after 2006,” another viewer noted.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
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