![\"EastEnders](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1_518207.jpg\")
EastEnders finally confirms the identity of Je(Image: BBC\/Jack Barnes)<\/p>\nAfter months of fans suspecting Zoe Slater could be Joel Marshall’s mum – her name was finally revealed in tonight’s episode – although fans aren’t convinced…<\/p>\n
19:50, 05 Aug 2025Updated 20:01, 05 Aug 2025<\/p>\n
EastEnders finally confirms the identity of Je(Image: BBC\/Jack Barnes)<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, EastEnders<\/a> introduced us to Vicki Fowler’s stepson, Joel Marshall. He arrived alongside Vicki and his dad, Ross, but nothing was ever said about his mother – until now.<\/p>\n Fans had never heard any mention of Joel’s mum, and many came up with a theory that his mother was actually Zoe Slater<\/a>, who made her return earlier this year. However, it looks like those theories were shut down during tonight’s episode – or were they?<\/p>\n Joel was left feeling down after his father Ross broke the news that his mother was getting married again – and fans learnt more about the ‘mystery woman’ during a conversation between Joel and Tommy. It comes after after an EastEnders legend was rushed to hospital after ‘deadly’ attack by familiar face<\/a>.<\/p>\n READ MORE: EastEnders’ Stacey ‘targeted by Joel’ as another Slater returns – but it’s not Zoe<\/a>READ MORE: EastEnders spoilers: Avani’s baby decision, Suki feels Ravi’s fury and Lily returns<\/a> During the conversation between teens Tommy and Joel, we learnt that Joel’s mother was called Cleo, and cheated on his father Ross. Whilst reminiscing on his time in Australia<\/a>, he told Tommy how good his life was back then – before his mother was unfaithful.<\/p>\n “Everything changed,” he said. When asked by Tommy if he missed her, Joel responded: “I don’t think about her much. I’ve got way more going on for me over here anyway.”<\/p>\n Before this, in a conversation between Vicki and Ross, Cleo’s name was revealed.<\/p>\n “Earlier with Joel, you saw his face turn when I mentioned Cleo,” she said. “He won’t even call her ‘mum.'”<\/p>\n Although Ross didn’t seem phased, Vicki expressed her concerns with his anger, as she exclaimed: “Joel ain’t right!” He was then caught drinking alcohol with Tommy in the Vic, screaming at Stacey as he was dragged out by his dad.<\/p>\n In regards to Joel’s mum, a huge question has been answered, although we’re still yet to see Cleo in person. Until then, fans still aren’t convinced that it’s not Zoe…<\/p>\n Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter<\/a>, one suspicious fan wrote: “Joel\u2019s mum is called Cleo is it? Sure,” while another on the same wavelength said: “Although I get the feeling that ‘Cleo’ could be cover name that Zoe has been using which means she may be in a bigger situation then we all thought.”<\/p>\n However, others appeared to shut the theory down, with one fan tweeting: “Vicky seemed to know who Cleo was and she\u2019s been mates with Joel\u2019s dad before they got together so guessing it\u2019s not Zoe.”<\/p>\n Despite Alfie returning from Barcelona without Zoe by his side, it’s been revealed she will be making a permanent return to the Square later this year.<\/p>\n Could the ‘reveal’ of Joel’s mum at this time just be a coincidence or is there more to the story?<\/p>\n EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.<\/p>\n * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok <\/a>, Snapchat <\/a>,Instagram <\/a>,Twitter <\/a>,Facebook <\/a>,YouTube <\/a>and Threads <\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"EastEnders](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1_526837jpge.jpg\")
Joel opened up about his mum Cleo with Tommy (Image: BBC\/Jack Barnes\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n![\"Joel,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2_EMB-511542.jpg\")
Joel joined the Square earlier this year alongside Vicki and Ross (Image: BBC\/Jack Barnes\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n