EastEnders fans are convinced that they have worked out the real identity of Joel Marshall’s mum.
Angie Quinn Senior Journalist
17:55, 06 Aug 2025
EastEnders fans think they know who Joel Marshall’s real mum is (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)
EastEnders has dropped a major hint about Joel Marshall’s biological mum, sparking fan theories that she might be linked to Max Branning, who is set for a dramatic comeback.
The BBC soap recently saw the return of Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) after two decades away, and she wasn’t alone; she brought along her new beau, Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw), and his son, Joel (Max Murray).
Joel, the rebellious teenager, has been adjusting to life in Walford and confided in his mate Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) about his troubled past. He shared his bitterness towards women, stemming from being deserted by his mother as a young boy, although he stopped short of revealing her identity.
EastEnders’ Joel Marshall has previously expressed his hate for his mum (Image: BBC)READ MORE: BBC EastEnders’ Michelle Ryan reveals reason behind Zoe Slater comebackREAD MORE: EastEnders’ Jessie Wallace stopped BBC soap bosses from recasting fan favourite
But on Tuesday (August 5), Ross let slip that Joel’s long-lost mum had reached out with news of her upcoming nuptials, leaving him anxious about how to tell Joel.
Despite Joel’s initial show of indifference, he later sought solace with Tommy, and the two schemed to nick booze from The Queen Vic, reports Plymouth Live.
Reflecting on happier times in Australia with his parents before his mum’s infidelity turned his world upside down, Joel admitted to Tommy: “I don’t think about her much. I’ve got way more going on for me over here anyway.”
Meanwhile, across Albert Square, Ross and Vicki discussed the enigmatic woman, finally unveiling Joel’s mum’s name.
EastEnders confirmed the name of Joel’s mum as she remains a mystery(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Vicki remarked: “Earlier with Joel, you saw his face turn when I mentioned Cleo,” adding, “He won’t even call her ‘mum.'”
EastEnders enthusiasts initially speculated that Joel’s biological mother might be Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), who briefly reappeared on the show earlier this year.
The beloved character is poised for a dramatic return to Walford, having previously hinted at harbouring a significant secret with the potential to shatter her family.
Yet, some viewers are now theorising that Cleo could be the new spouse of Max Branning (Jake Wood), especially with his much-anticipated return to Albert Square following the introduction of his son Oscar (Pierre Moullier).
EastEnders fans think Cleo could be connected to Max Branning (Image: BBC)
On social media, one viewer posited: “I think Cleo returns with her husband Max Branning.”
Another chimed in: “It would be a great twist alright.”
A third suggested: “Might be something Max related then, sadly. Joel would have been an interesting angle.”
One more fan queried: “Is Cleo connected to Max?”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer