EastEnders' Avani to get a major shock in Joel attack mystery

 The walls are closing in.

EastEnders' Avani Nandra-Hart gets a major shock next week amid Joel Marshall's attack mystery. As new information comes to light, the teenager is left questioning everyone around her.

When Joel was released from the young offenders institution a few weeks ago, Avani and her friends made it clear he wasn't welcome back on the Square. They decided to teach him a lesson by locking him up and throwing drinks over him.

Later, the teens found Joel unconscious outside, after he was attacked by an unknown assailant. With only the group aware of the lock combination, it wasn't long before they started pointing fingers at each other - though they presented a united front to the police.

In Monday's episode, Avani vents to Barney Mitchell about Joel's request to stay in Walford. She fears her objection to his return could make her look guilty about the attack.

When Barney admits he hid the hammer to protect her, believing she was responsible, Avani is left reeling. If her own best friend thinks she's guilty, what will the police think?

Later, Barney also confesses his actions to his dad Zack Hudson, and tells him he saw Nugget acting suspiciously that night. Stunned that Barney has hidden evidence, will Zack use Nugget to keep his son out of the frame?

Meanwhile, Vicki and Ross Marshall receive an update about Joel's request to live with them on the Square. They are surprised that Avani has agreed to the arrangement, leading Vicki to question if Joel may have pressured her.

The couple ask Kat and Alfie Moon for answers about the kids, and are stunned to see the footage of the prank. Furious that the other parents knew what had happened, Ross resolves to go to the police to get justice for his son.

Later, Barney succumbs to the pressure of keeping so many secrets and gives a statement to the police. But what exactly does he tell them? And will he continue to protect Avani?