Joel Marshall continues to act up on EastEnders next week, when he steals Vicki Fowler’s cash card and skips school.

When Ross takes on a second job, Vicki is left alone to take on a larger role in teenage stepson Joel’s life.

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Immediately, the twisted teenager takes advantage of her, and asks his stepmum to buy him pricey tickets to see his favourite podcaster…

“Vicki has made it totally clear what she thinks of the misogynistic rubbish that Joel’s idol Drake Zagan spews, so there’s no way Joel’s going to swan off and meet him in real life on her watch,” our EastEnders insider explains.

“Ross had told Joel to be respectful to Vicki before he left for work, but Joel’s so deep into incel culture that he has absolutely no respect for women – so, he decides that her ‘no’ doesn’t apply to him and defies her authority.”

As exasperated Vicki lets off steam with Kathy Beale in the café, insolent Joel swipes her card and uses it to buy the tickets behind her back.

Dragging sidekick Tommy Moon along, Joel skips a day of school to attend the podcast live recording, leaving Vicki furious.

“Joel won’t let Vicki stand in the way of attending the influencer event, so she has no other choice but to show up with Kathy and force the boys to go home,” our source continues.

“Joel is totally beyond help, but easily-led Tommy can still be redeemed with so many strong Slater women now around him – he just needs to escape Joel’s twisted influence.”

As Kat scolds Tommy for his bad behaviour back at The Vic, Vicki is at her wits’ end. As a last resort, she turns to Julie Bates, Walford High’s newest teacher, for some advice on Joel’s behaviour…

“Before Joel, Vicki knew nothing about the rise of toxic masculinity among teen boys, but Julie is a teacher, so she unfortunately sees it every day,” our spy explains.

“If those closest to Joel can’t make him see how damaging his beliefs and behaviour are, maybe a stranger in a position of authority can get through to him. Though we aren’t counting our chickens…”

When Julie sits Joel down for chat about his misogynistic beliefs, will her positive influence be enough to set him on the path of reform? Or will Vicki’s misguided meddling make everything a whole lot worse?