EastEnders has confirmed the cast for its upcoming spin-off EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere. The groundbreaking documentary will tie in with Joel Marshall’s misogyny storyline, which is exploring the online radicalisation of young men by incel influencers.

Over the last few months, viewers have seen Joel sexually assaulting a woman on a train, secretly recording himself being intimate with Avani Nandra-Hart, and leaking adult footage of Stacey Slater online.

The teenager has also been encouraging his new friend Tommy Moon to watch anti-women content online, while glorifying ideas around toxic masculinity.

It was later revealed that the reason Joel’s family moved to Walford was that he had taken an upskirt picture of a girl without her consent in Australia. However, the relocation has proven futile as Joel’s concerning behaviour has escalated while on the Square.

This week’s episodes will delve deeper into the harrowing storyline, with Joel (Max Murray), Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and Denise Fox (Diane Parish) at the forefront of the drama.

The three actors will then feature in EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere on Thursday night (9 October), where they will explore the real-life impact of the issues raised in Joel’s storyline.

“On the way they meet individuals whose lives were turned upside down by the effects of misogyny and discover those who are trying to change the narrative,” reads the description.

The 30-minute documentary will feature expert insight from York University Professor Harriet Over, anecdotes from individuals with lived experience and a chat with Sam Browne, who went viral for his poem on misogyny.

Meanwhile, charity Beyond Equality will weigh in on the importance of storylines like Joel’s, and help evaluate what can be done to protect young people who may be exposed to these views online.

Nasfim Haque, BBC Three head of content, said: “We’re pleased to offer viewers an in-depth insight into Joel’s storyline as we investigate the real-life issue of misogyny, its impact, and what can be done to help those affected.”

EastEnders worked with experts, including The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, End Violence Against Women and Beyond Equality, to ensure accuracy and sensitivity during the important storyline.