Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) misogyny storyline in EastEnders ramps up next week, as a shocking incident at the school leads to some further violent scenes.

The teenager has exhibited some disgusting behaviour since arriving in Walford earlier this year, having recorded himself and Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) having sex without her consent, before sexually harassing a passenger on the tube.

He also trolled Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) online over her past Secret Cam work, made violent threats towards his dad’s partner Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) and subscribed to a misogynistic influencer online.

Many people have tried to get through to Joel about his misogyny, including school teacher Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn), but so far with little success – and things reach a disturbing head next week.

Yet again, Joel’s dad Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) fails to get a handle on the situation when his son’s sexist views rear their head once more, which precedes an incident at Walford High.

While details of what happens will remain under wraps until Thursday’s episode airs, the concerning event involves Joel and his friend Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall).

As news of what has happened spreads among the Walford community, parents and their teens discuss the ramifications, as well as the impact of harmful online content.

‘Difficult conversations are had between peers, parents and their children as age and gender both play significant parts in their differing perceptions to the incident,’ a spoiler for Thursday’s episode reveals.

Ross, Vicki and Kat and Alfie Moon (Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie) then attempt to police their sons on their misogynistic views.

However, things escalate at No.43 when Joel turns violent and hits Vicki in shocking scenes.

This week’s episodes coincide with a special documentary from the EastEnders team following Joel’s storyline.

EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere will explore the worrying growth of misogynistic attitudes among young men and how it is spreading through online communities.

It will air on BBC Three and iPlayer on Thursday 8 October at 8pm.