BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Oct 9 2025 By Joel Harley Oct 9 2025 Review: As Joel attacks Vicki, special documentary 'EastEnders Investigates' explores a terrifying issue faced by today's teens Diane Parish and Max Murray enter The Manosphere Diane Parish Features Joel Marshall Max Murray Vicki Fowler Share By Joel Harley Oct 9 2025 By Joel Harley Oct 9 2025 Released on BBC One and BBC iPlayer today, EastEnders has put out a special documentary to coincide with the terrifying escalation of Joel Marshall’s story. Titled EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere, it explores the issue of young men and their radicalisation online, specifically where misogyny and toxic influencers are concerned. Fronted by EastEnders stars Max Murray, Diane Parish and Ellie Dad, this documentary pulls back the curtain on a terrifying world of isolation and hate, exacerbated by bad faith actors like Drake Zagan, and his real-world counterpart, Andrew Tate. Stars Max Murray and Diane Parish host EastEnders Investigates (Credit: BBC) EastEnders enters The Manosphere with special documentary As today’s shocking episode of EastEnders (airing Thursday, October 9) sees Joel attack Vicki, star Max Murray explores the reality of his story. He joins host Diane Parish, who shares her own concerns as a parent in today’s increasingly divided world. Using Joel’s radicalisation as a jumping off point, the documentary explores how teenagers like Joel are exposed to harmful material at an increasingly young age. While Max reflects on his own experiences as a young man (via his cool older brother, Joe!), Diane joins Ellie Dadd as they speak to women on the receiving end of online hate and misogyny. Later, Max and Diane meet with two young men who once fell the same rabbit hole as Joel. It’s a thoughtful approach to the subject, and one which is empathetic in its view of the young boys and men who find themselves on a dark and dangerous path. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers While it would be dismiss those under the spell of the Manosphere as (to quote Vicki) ‘silly little twerps,’ this documentary doesn’t lose sight of the fact that kids like Joel are victims too, emboldened by cynical influencers out to line their pockets by espousing algorithm-friendly bile. As well as speaking to those affected, Diane also visits leading psychologist, Harriet Over, who explains what the Manosphere actually is. Joel was radicalised by online influencers (Credit: BBC) EastEnders Investigates shares a chilling warning As Joel’s story is one of the most important that the soap has told in recent years, so EastEnders Investigates shines a light on the stark reality of the situation. It makes for discomforting viewing, but it should be. It’s a scary world out there, and certain corners of the Internet are only stoking more division and hate. At 30 minutes, it’s a brief (perhaps too brief) glimpse into a dark world of misogyny and hate, shining a light on the issue, but a little rushed in its execution. It could have been sharper; more insightful; more scathing, even. Still, as an introduction to The Manosphere, it’s a solid conversation-starter. And these are conversations which need to be had. Just look to the mixed messages put out by hapless dad Ross – and the multitudes of blinkered, blind beliefs espoused in today’s episode of the soap. Or Tommy, who should know better, not calling his mate out on his despicable words and behaviour. This documentary may be a fairly surface-level exploration of online misogyny, but if it serves as the impetus for real-life change, then it’s all the more valuable for it. A chilling, prescient, and vital work of filmmaking. EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere is available for streaming now on BBC iPlayer, and airs at 8pm tonight on BBC One. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Oct 9 2025 By Joel Harley Oct 9 2025