EastEnders will feature a hard-hitting new storyline in which Denzel Danes becomes dependent on anabolic steroids.
In scenes set to air in the spring, Denzel (played by Jaden Ledgega) begins to struggle with his body image after a new obsession with exercise takes hold.
The storyline follows the experience of Denzel and those around him as he is introduced to steroids, highlighting the influence social media has on his perception of body image and, as a result, his mental health and relationships.
As the storyline progresses, viewers will see how Denzel tries to hide his steroid use from those close to him as he continues to suffer in silence by placing more severe restrictions on his diet and exercise.
EastEnders will feature a hard-hitting new storyline in which Denzel Danes becomes dependent on anabolic steroids
To highlight the experiences some young people face as they struggle with steroid use and self-esteem issues, EastEnders has teamed up with charity WithYou, alongside experts with lived experience.
Chris Clenshaw, executive producer, said of the storyline: ‘It was imperative for us to collaborate with WithYou and individuals with lived experiences of steroid use to accurately present and portray Denzel’s storyline.
‘Jaden’s (Ladega) performance thoughtfully portrays the isolating reality of steroid dependency, as we explore how social media impacts his perception of body image and the effects anabolic steroid abuse has on youth from today.’
Abigail Wilson, Lead Clinical Pharmacist at WithYou, said of the storyline: ‘It’s really important that this type of storyline highlights the character’s journey and the risks they may face in a realistic way.
‘It’s been great working with the EastEnders team, and I really hope that this storyline will help and encourage people facing similar challenges to access support, whether from WithYou or another substance abuse support service.’
It comes just days after it was revealed that Laila Morse will return to the soap this spring after a three-year absence, with her character Big Mo set to cause chaos on the Square.
Known for her dodgy money-making schemes, the soap battleaxe will once again wreak havoc on the Slater clan.
When she returns for a permanent stint, Laila will also be joined by Bobby Brazier, who reprises his role as Freddie Slater after taking a break to star in Strictly.
In scenes set to air in the spring, Denzel (played by Jaden Ledgega) begins to struggle with his body image after a new obsession with exercise takes hold
It comes just days after it was revealed that Laila Morse will return to the soap this spring after a three-year absence, with her character Big Mo set to cause chaos on the Square.
Speaking about her return, Laila said: ‘EastEnders holds such a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to be reunited with my on-screen family, who are just like my family, but also with old and new faces.
Laila originally joined EastEnders in 2000, returning two years later for a three-year stint after leaving in 2016.
Some of Big Mo’s most memorable schemes included helping a teenage Sonia Fowler give birth on Dot Cotton’s couch, and faking Kat Slater’s death to make money.
While Big Mo parted ways with Walford in 2021, she briefly returned in 2022 for Kat’s disastrous wedding to Phil Mitchell.
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Although her absence has been short-lived, the Slater family has endured a huge amount of drama. Mo’s return will be no different.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laila back for good as she finds herself at the heart of the drama along with great-grandson Freddie (played by Bobby Brazier).
Freddie himself took a break from the Square after facing jail for attacking Stacey’s stalker Theo Hawthorne and went to stay with his mother Little Mo.
The exit followed Bobby’s stint on Strictly Come Dancing last year, in which he reached the final alongside Dianne Buswell.