EastEnders fans are speculating that Tommy Moon (played by Sonny Kendall) might be getting drawn into a web of radicalisation after striking up an online friendship with an unknown character. After spending months under the care of foster parent Zack Hudson (James Farrar), Tommy has finally returned to his family home.
However, it’s not long before trouble starts brewing again. Last year saw Tommy and his mum, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), embroiled in a harrowing storyline involving domestic abuse, with Tommy lashing out at his mother and siblings.
A distraught Kat kept her son’s violent behaviour under wraps, but Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) grew increasingly concerned for the safety of Tommy’s younger twin brothers. Jean took matters into her own hands and secretly contacted social services, leaving Kat feeling betrayed by her own family.
The blow was even harder when Kat learned that Tommy would be placed in social care, but neighbour Zack stepped in to offer a solution. This week, however, Kat and her partner Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) were overjoyed when they were told their son could finally return home.
But Kat’s joy quickly turned to worry as she admitted to being afraid of her own son. Her fears seem justified later in the week when Tommy throws another tantrum over internet access, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Kat is thrown into a panic when she comes home from work to find Big Mo (Laila Morse) has left Tommy alone with the twins, leading to Tommy withdrawing completely after sensing his mother’s lack of trust.
Kat makes it up to Tommy by nabbing him a shiny new games console, which he’s quick to fire up for a chat with his new mate online. However, as the hours tick by, Kat can’t help but fret over her sons new mysterious pal.
A bit worked up about what might be happening behind the screen, she has a sly peek at their chat history. Meanwhile, Alfie (played by Shane Richie) urges Kat to have a word with Tommy, who finally reveals all about his undercover buddy.
EastEnders viewers are now piecing things together and reckon Tommy could be in deep trouble, falling prey to online grooming. Over on social media platform X, fans are buzzing with theories.
One fan posted: “Is Tommy being radicalised online after physically abusing his mum? Didn’t this exact storyline happen with Denny?? #EastEnders.”
Another chimed in: “What is this Tommy Moon, planning? And these ‘mates’ He’s probably being groomed by incel Nazis omg #EastEnders.”
Yet another claimed: “I think Tommy’s being radicalised online.”
Somebody else theorised: “Anyone else think that Tommy could have an online grooming storyline as it’s hinted he is on a forum #EastEnders,” while one more added their two cents: “Also sorry but Tommy is absolutely doing something devious with them ‘online friends’ #eastenders.”
