EASTENDERS has shed light on the terrifying secret, newcomer Joel Marshall has brought with him to Albert Square.
Played by Max Murray, including a history of sexually harassing girls.
Joel arrived in Walford earlier this year alongside his dad Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and his partner Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), who returned from living inAustralia.
EastEnders viewers saw this week how when he came home to find his son having sex with fellow schoolgirl Avani Nandra-Hart, portrayed by Aaliyah James, 24.
Vicki could not understand why Ross was so upset when he learned the teens had been having sex.
Ross’ worst fears were then confirmed, when he discovered thatthe twisted teen had secretly filmed Avani having sex with him without her knowing.
Joel then showed best friend Tommy the footage in an attempt to impress him.
The father and son’s big secret is then revealed to Vicki, and that this was not Joel’s first time exhibiting predatory behaviour.
It turns out Joel had taken a photo up a girl’s skirt when they were in Australia, and Ross had been forced to pay off her family so they would not take the matter to police.
Joel’s storyline of incel behaviour is part of a plan by EastEnders bosses to tackle the hard-hitting issue of toxic masculinity.
Aninsider said: “There is a huge rise in this type of behaviour amongst teenage boys and bosses are aware that the show is hugely popular with younger age groups so they’re hoping this storyline will reach those who need it.
“Bosses scripted this storyline over six months ago and it will build over the coming weeks and months to show the influence that social media can have on impressionable teens.
“It will also explore the effects that a toxic friendship can have, especially when it involves impressionableteenagers.
“It’s not going to be glamorous, and bosses are keen to highlight the consequences of such actions, and the repercussions this can have on the individual and those around them.”;
It comes after the success ofdramadocumented similar behaviour among teenage boys.
Last month it was reported that nearly three in five (59 per cent)teacherssaid they believe social media use has contributed to a deterioration in pupils’ behaviour inschools, according to a poll by the NASUWT teaching union.
The survey, of more than 5,800 NASUWT members in the UK in January, suggests that teachers think social media is the number one cause of negative pupil behaviour.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
