EastEnders star Max Murray portrays a significantly younger role as Joel Marshall comes back to the BBC soap.
EastEnders has now plunged into the court case of troubled teen Joel Marshall following his violent attack on Vicki Fowler in a shocking episode.
The BBC soap first introduced Joel, played by Max Murray, to Albert Square last year alongside his father Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and Ross’s girlfriend Vicki (Alice Haig).
It didn’t take long for the young character to display deeply troubling misogynistic beliefs, viewing the mistreatment of women—both physically and psychologically—as acceptable behavior.
When Vicki confronted Joel about his disturbing attitude and toxic views, he brutally attacked her, recording the horrifying assault on his phone.
Police eventually took Joel into custody, and he was placed in a young offenders’ institution while awaiting his court appearance, which finally began on Wednesday (January 28), according to OK!.
Before the trial got underway, the teenager showed no remorse for his attack on Vicki, leaving viewers questioning whether Joel would be convicted.
EastEnders fans have praised Max Murray for his gripping performance as the troubled Joel, sparking curiosity about the actor’s real age.
Although Joel is depicted as a 15-year-old schoolboy, Max is actually 18 and is set to turn 19 in August 2026.
Max’s mother, Gina Murray—an actress known for her roles in The Bill, Doctors, Judge John Deed, and Witless—celebrated her son’s milestone birthday last year with a series of heartfelt photos.
Gina expressed her joy on social media, writing: “Max is 18! Happy birthday! Now both my boys are men! …Enjoy this special day and may it be the first of many wonderful days ahead.” She added: “I feel so incredibly lucky to have TWO amazing young men I can call my own. Always remember that you make me proud… in the good times AND the challenging ones… I love you, Max @maxmurray.official.”
However, amid the birthday celebrations, some EastEnders fans were confused about Max’s real age. Social media was filled with comments like: “He’s 16, and his mum is an actress.”
Another fan asked: “Joel is 14/15/16—so is his real age 15–18?” while someone else speculated: “Max Murray must be about 16?”
One viewer humorously reacted to a photo of Max as Joel, writing: “You’re not old enough to be in a pub! Get out! @ginamurraywoman tell him! I refuse to age, so neither can Max!”
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