Scenes in EastEnders recently have shown Denzel Danes (Jaden Ledgega) put his gym sessions ahead of his relationship, much to the frustation of Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd).
It was Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) who told Denzel to focus on Amy, rather than his fitness regime. However, in scenes that air later this week, Denzel lies and asks Yolande for money for a school trip, but unbeknownst to her, Denzel is using the money to buy steroids.
(Picture: BBC)
Things will take a turn in spring as Denzel begins to struggle with his body image after a new obsession with exercise takes hold and he becomes dependent on anabolic steroids. The storyline will follow the experience of Denzel, and those around him, as he is introduced to steroids, highlighting the influence that social media has on his perception of body image as well as the impact on his mental health and relationships as a result.
As the storyline progresses, viewers will see Denzel attempt to hide his steroid usage from those close to him as he continues to suffer in silence by imposing heavier restrictions on his diet and exercise regime.
To portray the experiences that some young people face when struggling with steroid use and self-esteem issues, EastEnders has collaborated with charity WithYou alongside experts with lived experiences.
Putting the gym before their relationship has already caused problems for Denzel and Amy (Picture: BBC)
Speaking on the storyline, Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer said: “It was imperative for us to work alongside WithYou and individuals with lived experiences of steroid usage to accurately present and portray Denzel’s storyline. Jaden’s [Ladega] performance has thoughtfully portrayed the isolating realities of a steroid dependency as we explore how social media has an impact on his perception of body image and the affects that anabolic steroid misuse are having on the youth of today.”
Abigail Wilson, Lead Clinical Pharmacist at WithYou, said of the storyline: “It is really important that this type of storyline highlights the character’s journey and the risks they may face in a realistic way. It has been amazing to work alongside the EastEnders team, and I really hope that this storyline will help and encourage people affected by similar challenges to access support, from WithYou or another substance misuse support service.”
EastEnders continues tomorrow at 7.30pm on BBC One
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