EastEnders viewers are not happy with a new romance on the BBC soap
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
19:18, 17 Nov 2025
EastEnders fans are not happy with the prospect of a new blossoming romance
EastEnders is set to delve into a fresh love story in Albert Square, much to the dismay of fans.
In Monday’s visit to Walford (November 17), a distressed Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) was thrown into turmoil upon discovering that her despicable step-son, Joel Marshall (Max Murray), intends to plead not guilty to assaulting her.
The brutal incident has left Vicki struggling to trust men, but she’s now unafraid to voice her opinions on negative male behaviour. Just last week, she unleashed a verbal tirade on a bloke in Harry’s Barn before returning home and wreaking havoc in the kitchen.
In the latest episode, Vicki and Zack Hudson (James Farrar) met with a liaison officer to learn about Joel’s intended plea at his hearing. He remains unrepentant, framing the assault as self-defence.
Vicki struggles as Joel plans to plead not guilty in EastEnders (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)READ MORE: BBC EastEnders 90s legend ‘set to return’ to Walford for Nigel’s Christmas twistREAD MORE: I’m A Celeb star’s ex issues six-word response after being dumped
Initially choosing to stay indoors, a distraught Vicki was persuaded to attend The Vic for the weekly quiz night and began to make minor progress with Joel’s father, Ross (Alex Walkinshaw), according to OK!.
The pair shared a drink, and there was a hint of chemistry, but she then spotted some suspicious behaviour from Chelsea’s date, Damon.
He was plying her with triple measures in drinks, evidently aiming to get her intoxicated and take advantage. Vicki confronted the man, and was later appalled to overhear him on the phone to his wife.
Chelsea urged her to step back, pointing out that whilst she was aware of his marital status, it didn’t justify his behaviour as yet another bloke who believed he could exploit a woman without consequences.
There’s an unexpected EastEnders romance on the way(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
Subsequently, Vicki and Damon encountered each other at the launderette, where he remained defiant and approached her menacingly.
In self-defence, Vicki shoved him away, causing him to tumble to the ground and strike his head during the fall.
Despite Vicki’s defensive actions, numerous EastEnders viewers found themselves fixated on the spark between Vicki and Zack. Whilst Vicki is Sharon Watts’ (portrayed by Letitia Dean) adoptive sister, Zack happens to be Sharon’s biological half-brother.
In upcoming episodes, Zack and Vicki are expected to develop a deeper bond as she opens up to him regarding the enduring effects of Joel’s assault.
The duo will also share an intimate moment with a kiss, leaving certain viewers feeling uncomfortable given their shared connection to Sharon, despite Vicki and Zack having no blood relation.
EastEnders’ Vicki Fowler and Zack Hudson share a suprise kiss (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
Taking to X, one viewer commented: “Vicki and Zack…It’s just one abysmal plot after another # EastEnders.”
Another questioned: “They are so setting up Zack and Vicki to be a permanent couple… my stomach #EastEnders.”
A third added: “#eastenders Vicki and Zack?? Aren’t they BOTH Sharon’s siblings?? Sorry, but that’s still a bit wrong in my opinion…..but Sam’s back soon.”
“Zack and Vicki? They better not # EastEnders”, cautioned another viewer.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am
