A dark new storyline is set to unfold on EastEnders as Joel Marshall pulls vulnerable teen Tommy Moon into his first criminal act—stealing vapes from the Minute Mart. This unfolding friendship has always carried an undercurrent of manipulation, but next week’s petty theft is the first sign of how evil Joel’s influence may becomeradiotimes.com+7digitalspy.com+7youtube.com+7.

Joel has become an ominous presence in Tommy’s life. Since arriving earlier this year into the Square, his toxic worldview and charm have worked like a slow poison. He’s shared with Tommy his stories: abandoned by his mother, bullied in Australia—alleged tragedies that he claims justify his attitude and actions. Joel’s trend toward misogynistic influencers hasn’t helped either; he’s introduced Tommy to content that distorts respect, consent, and human decencydigitalspy.com.

Next week, Joel pressures Tommy into committing petty crime for the first time: they head into the local Minute Mart together and shoplift vapes. Joel firmly tells Tommy they can get away with it—but Tommy is visibly uncertain. It’s a test of loyalty, morality, and peer pressure—a cornerstone moment in many darker teen narratives. Tommy hesitates, caught between loyalty to Joel and his own moral compass.

Kat, Tommy’s mother and the ever-vigilant figure in his life, senses something is wrong. She’s noticed changes—Tommy’s mood swings, his defensive attitude, the unhealthy dynamics he shares with Joel. Determined to act, Kat finds her alarm bells ringing louder and sets out to protect her son from this negative influenceyoutube.com.

As the theft transpires, it might initially seem minor—but it sets off major consequences. One scenario could see Kat immediately realize Tommy is in trouble and intervene before anything escalates. Or she might learn of the incident days later, after the pair return with stolen goods and Tommy can’t hide his guilt. Either way, this petty theft isn’t just about stolen items—it’s the warning sign of Joel’s escalating power over Tommy.

Kat’s reaction will be intense. Already concerned and overwhelmed— especially with Alfie away—she may lash out at Tommy, blaming herself for not seeing the danger sooner. She might confront Ross and Vicki, Joel’s guardians, demanding they take action and set boundaries. If Joel remains unchecked, Kat’s concern could deepen, ultimately launching a moral stand-off in Albert Squarex.com+2digitalspy.com+2radiotimes.com+2.

Meanwhile, the stolen vapes could resurface as a plot point. A neighbor or another teen might notice and tip off someone. This could bring community backlash or police involvement. Kat could feel her nightmare—Tommy getting in real legal trouble—is becoming inevitable. The family might face a public scandal, and Joel could use their fear to tighten his holdradiotimes.com+6digitalspy.com+6youtube.com+6.

Tommy’s internal battle will become a central focus. He already showed glimpses of goodness—like his heartfelt speech at Kat and Alfie’s wedding. Now he’s being told that Joel’s actions are “cool.” The division between Tommy’s natural decency and the seductive allure of fitting in grows. His fear and confusion will play out over the week, testing his loyalty to Kat versus the acceptance Joel offers.

What makes this storyline compelling is how it’s grounded in teenage struggle. Pressure to belong, fear of rejection, and a distorted sense of morality fuel Tommy’s journey. Joel’s role is classic: the charismatic manipulator using hardship to justify harmful behavior. Viewers will watch as Tommy’s innocence battles Joel’s predatory influence.

Kat’s battle to save her son will be harrowing. She may face resistance—from Tommy, who finally feels like he has a friend in Joel, and Joel’s guardians, who may dismiss the issue. Kat could lean on Stacey for support, and the tension between her maternal instinct and helplessness may shape her dramatic arc.

For the wider Walford community, this plotline raises questions about parenting, influence, and compassion. Ross and Vicki might react poorly or defensively if confronted. Other residents could weigh in, small acts of kindness or judgement complicating dynamics. It will spark conversations about accountability and empathy in the Square.

Looking ahead, the storyline will likely escalate. If Kat intervenes, Joel may push harder—leading Tommy into bigger trouble. Alternatively, there might be a moment where Tommy breaks free, revealing the scheme and exposing Joel’s corruption. This climax could propel significant character shifts for both boys.

The narrative richness comes from its human core: Tommy is a good kid in a dangerous friendship. Kat is a mother in fear of losing her son to an unseen predator. Joel is the snake in the garden, charming and vindictive. Their collision promises tension, heartbreak, and a moral reckoning.

Over the coming week, EastEnders will deliver edge-of-the-seat drama, forging new emotional battlegrounds. It’s not just a “crime” plot—it’s about agency, influence, morality, and the lengths one parent will go to protect her child.

Expect tears, confrontations, and a cliffhanger that leaves Walford—and the audience—wondering: can Tommy be saved before it’s too late?