EastEnders Cast Take On Real-Life Misogyny in Groundbreaking Special

EastEnders stars Max Murray, Diane Parish, and Ellie Dadd are stepping outside Albert Square and into the real world for a powerful new BBC Three documentary — EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere.

The one-hour special, airing on Thursday, 9 October, takes a closer look at how the growing online “manosphere” — a collection of internet communities promoting misogynistic and extremist ideas about gender — is influencing young people today.

This timely documentary ties directly into EastEnders’ ongoing misogyny and manipulation storyline, which follows Joel Marshall (Max Murray) and Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), and the impact of toxic online influences on their lives.

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Bridging Fiction and Reality

The BBC says the aim is to extend the soap’s fictional storyline into a meaningful real-world discussion. Parish, Murray, and Dadd will meet experts, survivors, and educators to understand how online spaces fuel dangerous ideologies that can shape attitudes toward women.

Among those featured is poet Sam Browne, whose viral piece on modern misogyny sparked national debate, and representatives from Beyond Equality, a charity working to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and support vulnerable young people.

Speaking about the project, Nasfim Haque, BBC Three’s Head of Content, explained:

“We’re pleased to offer viewers an in-depth insight into Joel’s storyline as we investigate the real-life issue of misogyny, its impact, and what can be done to help those affected.”

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Inside the “Manosphere”

The documentary promises to explore the roots of the manosphere — from its seemingly harmless self-improvement forums to darker corners promoting hostility toward women and glorifying male dominance.

Murray, who plays the troubled Joel, said that exploring the mindset behind his character was both “unsettling and eye-opening.”

“Playing Joel has made me think deeply about how young men are influenced online. There’s a real responsibility to tell this story truthfully,” he said.

Diane Parish, who portrays Denise Fox, added that she hopes the programme will “start honest conversations between parents and teenagers about what’s happening online behind closed doors.”

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When and Where to Watch

EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere premieres on BBC iPlayer at 6am and BBC Three at 8pm on Thursday, 9 October 2025.

The special continues the BBC’s push to use its biggest dramas as gateways into wider social discussions — blending soap storytelling with real-life impact, and proving once again that EastEnders isn’t afraid to tackle the issues shaping Britain today.