"There is a huge rise in this type of behaviour."
In upcoming scenes of BBC’s EastEnders, Avani Nandra-Hart’s (Aaliyah James) troubles will continue to mount.
Recent episodes of the soap showed Avani struggling to deal with a disturbing strip search to which the police subjected her.
She has also been seen striking up a possible romance with Joel Marshall (Max Murray), unaware that her friend Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman) likes her.
In the latest episode of EastEnders, Barney was horrified to find Joel and Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) watching pornography.
Joel remarked: “She’s well fit. Do you reckon Avani would be up for that?”
The comment angered Barney, but he was unable to stand up for himself.
Avani walked in, hearing the commotion, but Joel blamed the altercation on Barney.
Irritated at her friend, Avani stormed out with Joel and Tommy following.
As Joel walked Avani home, he asked if he could kiss her and if she had had sex before.
Avani replied: “Is it a problem if I haven’t?”
Joel insisted: “No, not for me. A lot of girls think that you’ve got to do it, or the guy’s going to lose interest.
“But you ain’t given in to any of that peer pressure, and I think that’s really strong.”
Avani then said: “It’s not that I’m scared to lose my virginity. It’s just that I haven’t found someone who gets me.”
Joel smiled and responded: “You know your own mind. I think that’s why I feel such a strong connection with you.
“We’re the same, me and you. It’s like no one else can see us, but that doesn’t matter because we can see each other.”
Avani revealed to Joel that she had her house to herself that evening and invited him inside.
This will spark a disturbing storyline in which Joel will film a sexual encounter with Avani without her knowledge or consent.
The Sun described the upcoming plot as an “Andrew Tate” storyline, referring to the controversial social media personality who has been charged with sexual crimes including rape and human trafficking.
After filming their tryst, Joel will show Tommy the footage to try and impress him.
An EastEnders insider told The Sun: “There is a huge rise in this type of behaviour amongst teenage boys.
“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 impressionable teenagers.”
“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.”
In a time when technology and peer pressure are having an impact on sexual activity like never before, it is hugely important to highlight such issues.
The Netflix drama Adolescence (2025) recently garnered acclaim for showcasing similar themes among young people in the UK.
EastEnders continues on Monday, May 5, 2025.
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