EastEnders ‘Confirms’ Adolescence-Style Story as Joel’s Incel Plot Heads for Darkest Turn Yet
EastEnders is preparing to push the boundaries once again with a storyline that looks set to take viewers into uncharted territory. BBC bosses have reportedly “confirmed” that Joel’s ongoing incel-inspired arc will evolve into an Adolescence-style exploration of toxic masculinity, manipulation, and the destructive power of radicalized online communities. This bold move signals one of the soap’s darkest social-commentary-driven plots to date, blending gritty realism with the show’s trademark emotional storytelling.
At the center of it all is Joel, a character who has already unsettled audiences with his controlling tendencies and deeply troubling views. Over the past few weeks, the show has peeled back layers of his persona—revealing not only his sense of alienation but also the dangerous ideology he has absorbed from digital echo chambers. His interactions with younger, more impressionable residents of Walford have hinted at his desire to influence others, sparking fears that his manipulations could have far-reaching consequences.
The decision to model aspects of Joel’s journey on Adolescence-style storytelling is no coincidence. That coming-of-age framework typically captures the confusion, anger, and misplaced loyalties of youth. However, EastEnders appears ready to subvert this structure by showing how disaffected individuals like Joel exploit those very vulnerabilities. In this sense, the soap isn’t just crafting another “villain arc”—it’s holding up a mirror to real-world issues of radicalization, online misogyny, and the complex ways they take root in communities.
Producers have long emphasized that EastEnders thrives when it blends human drama with pressing social topics. From domestic violence arcs to stories about consent and grooming, the show has built a reputation for tackling challenging material head-on. The Joel storyline continues that tradition, but its darker undertones suggest it may become one of the most controversial in recent memory. Rumors already suggest that Joel will target someone close to him in a bid to “prove” his warped beliefs, and fans fear the fallout could devastate multiple Walford families.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this plot is the way it contrasts Joel with other characters who embody healthier forms of masculinity and resilience. For example, where characters like Ben or Martin represent flawed but ultimately redemptive male figures, Joel represents the danger of unchecked bitterness. By placing him alongside younger characters, the show emphasizes the risk of toxic mentorship—and the importance of positive role models within communities like Walford.
Speculation is rife among viewers about who will become Joel’s primary victim or target. Some believe he may attempt to manipulate teens like Nugget or even younger members of the Slater clan, seeing them as malleable figures to shape in his image. Others think his obsession with control will put him in direct conflict with outspoken women such as Stacey, Whitney, or Denise—characters who have consistently pushed back against oppressive male behavior. If so, his storyline could culminate in a violent showdown that forces the Square to reckon with his toxicity head-on.
The “darkest turn” teased by insiders suggests that Joel’s arc will not be easily resolved. Unlike traditional soap villains who are exposed and defeated within months, Joel’s gradual descent is being built with unsettling patience. This echoes real-world cases where dangerous ideologies grow silently until they explode into tragedy. By weaving this realism into Walford’s fabric, EastEnders underscores the urgency of conversations about online radicalization and its devastating impact on relationships, families, and entire communities.
It’s worth noting that EastEnders
