There are fresh problems for Alfie Moon as a sinister storyline looms for his adopted son Tommy

EastEnders legend Alfie Moon finds himself without a job – and it’s all down to his wayward adopted son Tommy. The tearaway teen has been causing havoc in Albert Square not least in his own family, bunking off school, stealing from the Minute Mart and bullying his little brothers.

In upcoming scenes, Kat begs Alfie, played by Shane Richie, to track down Tommy and have a heart-to-heart over his behaviour. Alfie, who’s been trying to get more involved in Tommy’s life, agrees and locks up the bookies where he works to do it. However, his bosses get wind of the move and – unimpressed at the business closing early – give him the sack.

Feeling guilty that his actions caused his dad to lose his job, Tommy – who is played by Sonny Kendall – tries to get Alfie a job managing the Minute Mart. Kat urges him to go along for an interview – but will Alfie being tied up at work again mean he’s not there to step in between Tommy and Kat?

EastEnders have spoken before about an upsetting child-parent abuse storyline involving Tommy – who is her son with Michael Moon but was adopted and raised by Michael’s cousin Alfie. He punched her in a harrowing episode in July and soap bosses have hinted that might just be the start of the abuse.

Soap boss Chris Clenshaw said: “Kat is well-known in Albert Square for her no-nonsense attitude and fiery temper, but this storyline will explore how Tommy manipulates Kat’s unequivocal love for her son to exert his anger and elicit control.

“Jessie and Sonny’s performances have thoughtfully portrayed the complex realities of child to parent abuse with compassion and understanding, and the storyline will demonstrate how Tommy’s behaviour effects their relationship and the wider Slater-Moon family as a whole.

“To ensure we accurately and sensitively portray the realities of child to parent abuse, we have worked alongside Family Based Solutions, PEGS [a social enterprise to support people experiencing child to parent abuse] and the NSPCC as well as other experts in the field.”

Michelle John from PEGS added: “This storyline is a critical turning point for those experiencing child to parent abuse. By EastEnders showing the reality of child to parent abuse (CPA), not only will it shine a light on CPA, but we hope it will encourage important discussions and raise awareness of the situations parental figures are facing across the UK and further afield.

“PEGS was privileged to work alongside EastEnders and provide insight, guidance and support for the team.”