On May 13, 2025, EastEnders delivered a gripping episode where Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) confronted Joel Marshall (Max Murray), warning him to stay away from her granddaughter, Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James). This confrontation unfolded after Suki discovered that Joel and Avani had slept together, a revelation that left her deeply concerned for Avani’s well-being.

🔍 Discovery and Confrontation

Suki’s suspicions were piqued when she noticed Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) speaking with Avani. Her concerns grew as she learned that Joel had been involved with Avani, leading her to confront Joel directly. In a tense exchange, Suki demanded that Joel stay away from Avani, expressing her fears that Avani might have been taken advantage of. Joel, caught off guard, struggled to respond, leaving the situation unresolved.

🧠 Suki’s Protective Instincts

Suki’s protective nature was evident as she sought to understand the circumstances surrounding Joel and Avani’s encounter. She attempted to speak with Avani, but the teenager was not receptive, storming out during their conversation. Undeterred, Suki tried to confide in her daughter Priya (Kylie Babbington), but their discussion was interrupted by Ravi (Aaron Thiara), who overheard part of their conversation. Later, Suki managed to speak with Priya privately, revealing the truth about Joel and Avani. Ravi, upon learning of the situation, confronted Joel, leading to a heated argument between the two fathers

🎭 Joel’s Background and Motivations

Joel Marshall, portrayed by Max Murray, is the son of Ross Marshall, who has recently become involved with Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). Joel’s arrival in Walford was marked by his troubled past in Australia, including significant debts. His relationship with Avani has raised concerns among the Panesar family, especially given the complexities of his background and the influence of social media on his actions.

⚠️ Implications for Avani

Avani’s involvement with Joel has had a profound impact on her, especially following a traumatic incident where she was wrongly strip-searched by police. This event has left Avani vulnerable, and her interactions with Joel have added to the strain on her mental and emotional health. Suki’s intervention underscores the family’s commitment to protecting Avani and ensuring she is not exploited