In upcoming EastEnders episodes, Tommy Moon finds himself pulled even deeper into the toxic influence of newcomer Joel Marshall — a relationship that’s quickly becoming a serious cause for concern among Walford’s residents. What began as an innocent friendship has evolved into something far more sinister, as Joel’s increasingly dark behavior threatens to shape Tommy in his own troubling image.

Joel first entered Tommy’s life like a charismatic older brother. Lonely and looking for someone to look up to, Tommy was easily drawn in. The two became inseparable, spending time together and sharing secrets — but this bond was built on shaky moral ground. Together, they targeted Barney Mitchell with bullying, reveling in the power their unity gave them. To Tommy, it may have felt like acceptance. To those watching, it was clear he was being led down a dangerous road.

But Joel’s influence didn’t stop at schoolyard cruelty. He soon crossed a disturbing line by engaging in a sexual relationship with Avani Nandra-Hart and then publicly shaming her for it online. His betrayal of Avani earned him the ire of Walford’s teen community, but it also signaled a disturbing pattern of misogynistic behavior — a pattern that’s now being directed at Tommy.

In a shocking turn, Joel and Tommy steal Alfie Moon’s credit card to purchase access to an explicit adult video online. When Kat Slater discovers the video on Alfie’s laptop, she immediately confronts him, thinking he’s to blame. But it’s soon revealed that it was Tommy who accessed the content, and that the idea likely didn’t originate with him.

Meanwhile, Amy Mitchell confides in Vicki Fowler that no one wants to associate with Joel anymore, thanks to his treatment of Avani. This revelation finally forces Vicki to reevaluate Joel’s character — especially the effect he may be having on her son.

Though Vicki and Joel’s father, Ross, had hoped that Tommy would be a positive influence on Joel, it becomes painfully evident that the opposite is true. Joel is actively leading Tommy astray, exposing him to misogynistic ideologies and encouraging harmful behavior. In one particularly unsettling scene, Joel shows Tommy a video by a so-called “influencer” who spews derogatory rhetoric about women — a gateway into the toxic world of online male-dominance subcultures, often referred to as the “manosphere.”

Despite these warning signs, some adults around Tommy are still unaware of how far things have gone. Kat and Alfie, focused on their upcoming wedding, remain preoccupied but deeply concerned about the recent incident involving the explicit video. Alfie, feeling guilt and confusion over what’s happening with his son, promises to have a serious conversation with Tommy — but the damage may already be done.

When Ross finally learns of Joel’s ongoing behavior, including the incident with Avani, he has a difficult conversation with Vicki. They agree that Joel is in desperate need of responsible male role models — something he’s sorely lacking. However, what neither of them realize is that Joel is continuing to manipulate Tommy, even using something as seemingly innocent as helping him prepare a wedding speech to stay close and maintain control.

Underneath it all is the dark truth of why Joel and Ross left Australia in disgrace: Joel made an “upskirting” video of an unsuspecting victim — a violation of trust, privacy, and decency. Though Ross discovered this, he chose to cover it up under the condition that Joel would stay out of trouble. But in Walford, Joel is clearly back to his old habits — and now he’s pulling a vulnerable teenager along with him.

This storyline is a stark, chilling commentary on the power of influence — and how easily young minds can be shaped by those who carry dangerous ideologies. Tommy, already isolated and emotionally fragile, is being groomed to accept Joel’s behavior as normal, even admirable. What Joel is offering isn’t just friendship — it’s manipulation disguised as mentorship.

The question now is: can anyone intervene before it’s too late? Alfie, trying to rebuild trust with his son, may be Tommy’s best hope. But unless someone exposes Joel’s true character — and quickly — Tommy may become complicit in a worldview that could damage him and others beyond repair.

This plotline taps into real-world issues around toxic masculinity, online radicalization, and teenage vulnerability. As Joel continues to push boundaries, viewers are left dreading what the next step might be — and whether Tommy, still impressionable and longing for guidance, will be able to break free from his influence before something irreversible happens.

The stakes are rising fast in EastEnders, and as Joel’s past collides with his present, the fallout is bound to be explosive.