In upcoming EastEnders episodes, viewers will witness a deepening crisis as Joel Marshall continues to manipulate and corrupt young Tommy Moon — pushing the boy into increasingly dangerous territory. What initially seemed like a budding friendship is now spiraling into something far more troubling.

When Joel first arrived in Walford, he quickly attached himself to Tommy Moon, who was already feeling isolated and emotionally adrift. At first glance, the older boy appeared to offer companionship and brotherhood. They bonded through typical teenage antics and mischief, with a shared interest in stirring up trouble — most notably targeting Barney Mitchell. However, as time has passed, it’s become clear that Joel’s influence is not only unhealthy but potentially life-altering.

The turning point came when Joel seduced Avani Nandra-Hart, only to publicly shame her afterward — a cruel betrayal that caused waves among their peer group. Word of his behavior spread quickly, damaging his already shaky reputation. Despite this, Joel didn’t retreat or reflect. Instead, he doubled down, dragging Tommy with him on a path of moral decay.

Most recently, Joel encouraged Tommy to steal Alfie Moon’s credit card so they could access a pornographic video online. The act in itself was troubling, but it also highlighted how far Tommy is willing to go under Joel’s influence. When Kat Slater discovers the charge on Alfie’s laptop, she immediately suspects him. But a confrontation soon reveals that it was Tommy who was behind the video purchase — and Alfie is left shaken and disappointed by his son’s deception.

Meanwhile, the adults around Joel are largely in the dark about the severity of his behavior. Vicki Fowler and Ross — Joel’s father — still see Tommy as a good influence on their troubled son. Their hope that this friendship could be a stabilizing force blinds them to the reality unfolding right under their noses. Even when Amy Mitchell tells Vicki that no one wants to associate with Joel after what he did to Avani, the warning doesn’t immediately prompt action.

Despite the growing alarm, Ross and Vicki choose to focus on small positives. When they see Joel helping Tommy prepare a speech for Kat and Alfie’s upcoming wedding, they allow themselves a moment of optimism — thinking perhaps Joel is turning a corner. But this sense of relief is fleeting.

As the wedding approaches, Kat and Alfie struggle to celebrate amid the revelations about Tommy’s recent behavior. Alfie, heartbroken but determined, vows to sit down and talk things through with his son. However, it remains unclear whether he can still reach him — or whether Joel’s grip has already sunk too deep.

The situation takes a chilling turn when Joel introduces Tommy to an online video from a social media influencer who spouts misogynistic rhetoric — part of the increasingly infamous “manosphere.” The influencer promotes a toxic worldview that devalues women and encourages dominance and aggression in young men. Tommy, emotionally vulnerable and already seeking direction, begins to absorb these harmful messages — further distancing himself from his once-loving family.

This development suggests that Joel isn’t just a bad friend — he’s actively guiding Tommy down a dark and potentially irreversible path. Viewers are left to ask: Is Joel simply a lost teenager with his own demons, or is he something far more dangerous?

Joel’s attitude towards women has been problematic from the start, but it’s now escalating into something sinister. It’s recently come to light that he and his father Ross were effectively forced to leave Australia due to Joel’s past misdeeds — including creating an ‘upskirting’ video without the victim’s consent. That disturbing behavior didn’t end when they arrived in Walford. In fact, Joel secretly filmed his sexual encounter with Avani, and though Ross discovered the video, he chose to suppress the truth — hoping Joel would straighten out on his own.

But silence breeds complicity, and Joel has only grown more reckless. As he attempts to indoctrinate Tommy with warped online ideologies and continues to exploit trust and friendship, the danger becomes clearer than ever. Tommy, once a spirited and sensitive teen, is now caught in the crosshairs of someone who manipulates others to mask his own pain and insecurity.

The community of Walford is about to wake up to the threat in their midst. The question is: will it be too late for Tommy?

This storyline taps into modern concerns about the radicalization of vulnerable youth through online influencers and the lasting damage that manipulative friendships can cause. EastEnders is unflinchingly tackling themes of toxic masculinity, internet exploitation, and the failure of adults to protect the next generation.

As viewers watch the fallout from Joel’s actions unfold, the stakes will continue to rise. Tommy’s moral compass is at risk of being permanently skewed, and Alfie must summon everything he has — patience, wisdom, and unwavering love — to save his son before he’s lost for good.

Will Joel finally face justice for his actions? Can Tommy be pulled back from the edge? And will Ross and Vicki finally accept the truth about Joel — or are they still too blinded by hope?

The next episodes promise to be among the most intense in recent EastEnders history.