Tormented by the fact that he couldn\u2019t overpower Logan to save Yolande, who Denzel affectionately calls \u201cAuntie Yo\u201d, he turned to boxing, encouraged by George Knight (Colin Salmon).<\/p>\n
But while Denzel was warned about prioritising the gym over girlfriend Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), it looks like he will fall further into self-doubt over his image as his newfound obsession with exercise takes hold.<\/p>\n
Early spoilers have already revealed that online trolls will mock Denzel\u2019s appearance after he films a fitness video. He then spots a post about anabolic steroids, and asks Yolande for money for a school trip.<\/p>\n
![\"Nugget](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2024\/02\/466082-ab9bf02.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413\" "\\"466082,EastEnders\\"\/")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>But Denzel will use the cash to buy steroids instead<\/a>, and the storyline will explore his experience as well as that of those around him as he begins using steroids.<\/p>\n The aim for the BBC soap is to highlight the influence that social media has on Denzel\u2019s perception of his body image.<\/p>\n As a result, Denzel\u2019s mental health and his relationships will be impacted as he hides his use of steroids from those closest to him.<\/p>\n The teen also implements stricter exercise regimes and diet restrictions as he continues to suffer in silence.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p>\n EastEnders is working with charity With You to sensitively portray the experiences of young people with steroid use and self-esteem issues, and has also enlisted advice from experts with first-hand experience on the subject.<\/p>\n Executive producer Chris Clenshaw commented: \u201cIt was imperative for us to work alongside With You and individuals with lived experiences of steroid usage to accurately present and portray Denzel\u2019s storyline.<\/p>\n \u201cJaden\u2019s [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 effects that anabolic steroid misuse are having on the youth of today.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking about Denzel\u2019s storyline, Abigail Wilson, lead clinical pharmacist at With You, <\/b>added: \u201cIt is really important that this type of storyline highlights the character\u2019s journey and the risks they may face in a realistic way.<\/p>\n \u201cIt 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 With You or another substance misuse support service.\u201d<\/p>\n Denzel\u2019s dangerous decision to look into using steroids airs on Wednesday 6th March.<\/p>\n Anyone identifying with Denzel\u2019s story can find help via With You<\/a>, which offers support on mental health and the dependency on alcohol and drugs.<\/em><\/p>\n Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n