EASTENDERS bosses are set to tackle the hard-hitting issue of toxic masculinity in a shock new Andrew Tate style storyline.

The hard hitting plot will unfold on the BBC One soap later this month.

Controversial scenes will show teenager Joel Marshall, played by Max Murray, film himself having sex with fellow schoolgirl Avani Nandra-Hart, portrayed by Aaliyah James, 24.

Although Avani is none the wiser to his actions, Albert Square newcomer Joel will then show best friend Tommy the footage in an attempt to impress him.

It is also to encourage Tommy to move towards his toxic way of thinking, which eagle-eyed fans have already started to pick up from some of Joel’s other earlier scenes.

An EastEnders insider said: “There is a huge rise in this type of behaviour amongst teenage boys and bosses are aware that the show is hugely popular with younger age groups so they’re hoping this storyline will reach those who need it.

“Bosses scripted this storyline over six months ago and it will build over the coming weeks and months to show the influence that social media can have on impressionable teens.

“It will also explore the effects that a toxic friendship can have, especially when it involves impressionable teenagers.

“It’s not going to be glamorous, and bosses are keen to highlight the consequences of such actions, and the repercussions this can have on the individual and those around them.”

It comes after the success of Netflix drama Adolescence documented similar behaviour among teenage boys.

Last month it was reported that nearly three in five (59 per cent) teachers said they believe social media use has contributed to a deterioration in pupils’ behaviour in schools, according to a poll by the NASUWT teaching union.

The survey, of more than 5,800 NASUWT members in the UK in January, suggests that teachers think social media is the number one cause of negative pupil behaviour.

An EastEnders spokeswoman declined to comment.

Joel arrived in Walford earlier this year alongside his dad Ross and his partner Vicki Fowler, who returned from living in Australia.