EastEnders bosses are understood to be developing a spin-off that takes inspiration from the critically acclaimed Netflix drama Adolescence.
The planned programme will examine online misogyny and its spread through digital platforms, a topic currently featuring in the BBC soap.
Sources suggest the project, which would aim on BBC Three, aims to spark wider conversations about the pressing social issue.
“Executives felt it was a good point to what’s happening on EastEnders, to open up discussion on this incredibly important topic,” a television insider has stated.
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The Netflix series Adolescence, penned by Stephen Graham, tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who murders a female classmate following online mockery and rejection.
The drama has received widespread praise for its unflinching examination of toxic masculinity amongst young people.
The programme will incorporate appearances from current EastEnders stars and is scheduled to broadcast alongside connected storylines on the main programme later this year.
“It will feature cast members from the soap and its airing will coincide with a linked storyline that will be seen on the main show later this year,” the source told The Sun.
The soap has already begun addressing these themes through the character of Joel Marshall, portrayed by Max Murray.
His storyline involves elements associated with incel culture, demonstrating the programme’s commitment to tackling contemporary social issues.
The spin-off format will allow for deeper exploration of how misogynistic ideologies proliferate across social media platforms and online spaces, complementing the dramatic treatment within the soap’s regular episodes.
The character’s actions have included distributing intimate recordings without consent, attacking an unknown person on public transport, and filming sexual encounters with Avani Nandra-Hart, who subsequently became pregnant.
It was also stated on the soap that the character’s dad Ross had previously being paying off a student’s mother in Australia after Joel had up-skirted a schoolgirl when they lived there.
Adolescence has garnered significant recognition, earning a nomination for Best Limited or Anthology Series at the Emmy Awards.
The series marks a significant achievement for its young lead Owen Cooper, who secured the role from amongst 500 candidates despite having no previous acting experience.
Both Cooper and his co-star Ashley Walters received Emmy nominations in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category for a Limited Series.
The strategic placement in supporting rather than lead categories has been viewed by industry observers as particularly astute.
Walters expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, stating: “This is such an honour. This nomination means the world to me not just as recognition, but as a reminder of how far I’ve come.
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“It’s for everyone who stood by me through the highs and the lows, who believed in me when I needed it most.”
GB News has contacted the BBC over the reports.