EastEnders has announced a new storyline that will see youngster Denzel (Jaden Ladega) become dependent on anabolic steroids.
In recent weeks viewers have seen Denzel increasingly visiting the boxing gym in an attempt to toughen up, in the process neglecting his relationship with Amy (Ellie Dadd).
Upcoming scenes - developed in conjunction with the charity WithYou - will see Denzel introduced to steroids and when they take hold, he will start to impose heavier restrictions on his diet and eating regime.
Exec producer Chris Clenshaw 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 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."
EastEnders continues Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer.
Neil Wilkes
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