Yolande Trueman struggles with Denzel Danes as his š¯•¤teroid use spirals in EastEnders
Denzel's behaviour causes an unexpected - and not altogether welcome - reconciliation
YOLANDE Trueman struggles with Denzel Danes as his steroid use spirals in EastEnders.
It was revealed last month that theĀ BBC soap would be exploring a gritty new storylineĀ with Walford teen Denzel (Jaden Ladega).
Earlier this year, Denzel was left battling insecurities after an unfortunate run in with bullies.
It prompted him to decide to get in shape and he headed to theĀ BoxingĀ Centre, but things have taken a darker turn after he was introduced to anabolic steroids, which help build muscle tissue.
His behaviour has already started to change due to the drug use, but his nearest and dearest haven’t yet cottoned on to what he is doing.
In upcomingĀ EastEndersĀ scenes, Yolande is upset to be pushed out of herĀ charityĀ plans, and is comforted by Honey and Billy.
Denzel encourages Yolande to attend prayer group, but heā€™s secretly arranged to meet a group of girls at No.20 with Nugget.
Nugget and Denzel repair their friendship, as Denzel lies to him about getting rid of his steroids, but their plans are short-lived when Yolande arrives homeā€¦
Denzel is annoyed when Yolande ruins his plans by refusing to go to prayer group, and faces off with Pastor Clayton outside the Community Centre.
Back at No.20, Yolande and the Pastor berate Denzel for his rudeness but in doing so repair their friendship as YolandeĀ apologises for her accusationsĀ and Pastor Clayton puts her back in charge of their charity plans.
TheĀ BBCĀ team behind the soap collaborated with charity WithYou while writing the storyline.
Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw previously shared: “It was imperative for us to work alongside WithYou and individuals with lived experiences of steroid usage to accurately present and portray Denzelā€™s storyline.
“Jadenā€™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.”
Abigail Wilson, the lead clinical pharmacist at the charity, added: “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.”
