EastEnders plot gritty new spin-off inspired by award-winning Netflix drama
An insider revealed the spin-off will feature cast members from the soap and its airing will coincide with a linked storyline
THE ripple effect from hugely successful drama Adolescence continues to spawn new shows – this time in the form of an EastEnders spin-off.
I can reveal that the soap is making a documentary for BBC Three and iPlayer on the topic of misogyny, and how it is proving toxic to young minds, particularly when spread through the internet.
It was the central subject in Netflix series Adolescence, which aired earlier this year.
The hit drama starred Owen Cooper as teenager Jamie Miller, who was jailed for killing a schoolgirl — devastating his dad Eddie, played by Stephen Graham.
It is also a theme that is now being explored through storylines on the BBC One soap.
A telly insider said: “Executives felt it was a good point to what’s happening on EastEnders, to open up discussion on this incredibly important topic.
“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.”
At the moment in Albert Square, troubled teenager Joel Marshall is involved in some Andrew Tate-style storylines with shocking incel misogyny, which has been ramped up during recent weeks.
Viewers have witnessed a string of sick acts, in- cluding leaking sex footage online, assaulting a stranger on a Tube train and even recording himself being intimate with school pupil Avani Nandra-Hart before getting her pregnant.
It has also been revealed that his dad Ross paid off a student’s mother in Australia after Joel had “up-skirted” a girl in his class when they lived there.
Despite Ross and step-mum Vicki Fowler’s attempts to cut through the misogyny Joel is exposed to online, the teenager is showing no signs of stopping.
He is obsessed with influencers, which appears to govern every aspect of his daily life and relationships.
I revealed earlier this week that Louis Theroux was making a documentary on the effect of influencers on young minds, in a show that is expected to be screened on Netflix.
I revealed earlier this week that Louis Theroux was making a documentary about the effect of influencers on young minds, in a show that is expected to be screened on Netflix.
Matt: No to spell as baddie
MATT SMITH has poured cold water on the prospect of him playing evil Lord Voldemort in the upcoming TV adaptation of Harry Potter.
The former Doctor Who and House Of The Dragon actor was responding to internet gossip suggesting he would be the ideal casting.
But he said on US TV: “Can anyone play it after Ralph Fiennes? He was so good. Hypothetically, who knows?
“Following in the footsteps of the great Ralph Fiennes is a very, very difficult mantle for someone.
“So good luck, whoever it is – but it ain’t gonna be me.”
Ralph played Voldemort in five of the boy wizard movies.
I reckon there will be millions of Harry Potter fans gutted by news Matt won’t be in the TV version due out in 2027, as he would have been brilliant as the baddie.
Liz has a loot in store
DESTINATION X and Fortune Hotel viewers will be thrilled to hear another game of strategy and deception is on the way.
Elizabeth Hurley and Rob Rinder have unveiled the line-up of 13 contestants who will be vying for the loot in The Inheritance.
They will be tasked with unraveling clues and challenges in the battle for the bounty, starting Sunday at 9pm.
The players will include paramedic Emma, scaffolder Cam and ex-cop Catherine, who said: “I’m just a 50-year-old woman whose had her career and is now in a different stage of her life. I just really want to do something for me.”
Retired market trader Ferg, wedding planner Hannah and entrepreneur James are also in the mix.
Sisters back in the act
SAM and BIllie Faiers are back with their new ITV2 reality series, Sister Act.
But they never really left the showbiz bubble, with Sam dusting off a weekend partying alongside Amanda Holden and Alan Carr.
After sharing a string of snaps from Amanda’s birthday bash, Sam headed for the This Morning sofa.
With Billie in a pink silk suit and Sam in a white blazer, the ex-Towie girls chatted about letting cameras back into their homes for the show on ITV2 and ITVX.
Sam said: “It’s been a good four years since we filmed together and actually we have had so much fun.”
