Yolande Trueman opens up to a Walford local after being sexually assaulted in EastEnders

EastEnders is set to air a harrowing new storyline as a major character is sexually assaulted by a neighbour in upcoming scenes.

Viewers have already seen Pastor Clayton (Howard Saddler) be overly tactile with Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter), but things are set to get even worse.

When Pastor Clayton placed his hands on Yolande unwanted on several occasions, Yolande bravely confronted him, though he gaslit her by suggesting that she was the one making him uncomfortable.

In upcoming scenes, Yolande and Pastor Clayton reform their friendship when Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega) acts out, but when Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) returns to Walford, the Pastor’s jealousy is clear.

With Yolande giving Patrick all of her attention, Pastor Clayton grows irritated.

After learning about the state of Denise Fox and Jack Branning’s (Diane Parish and Scott Maslen) marriage, Patrick organises a meal so that the family can all spend time together.

Despite being busy with the church fundraiser, Yolande agrees to attend. However, Pastor Clayton soon interrupts, and Yolande is quick to invite him to join them.

As the family eat and talk, Patrick begins to realise that Pastor Clayton knows more about Denise and Jack’s problems than he does, and soon begins to grow jealous of his closeness to Yolande and the family.

On the day of the fundraiser, Yolande is stressed, and pointed comments from the Pastor’s wife, Stella, only make things worse.

Later, Pastor Clayton helps Yolande pick up supplies from No.20, but Patrick isn’t happy to find them alone together.

When he makes his feelings clear, Patrick and Yolande have a huge row, and she refuses to let him attend the fundraiser.

Just before the event, Yolande is alone in the kitchen at the Community Centre, when Pastor Clayton finds her and sexually assaults her.

Following the horrifying attack, Yolande seeks solace in the launderette, where she confides in Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe). Will she be able to help her in the aftermath of the ordeal?

EastEnders fans have been ‘blown away’ by actress Angela Wynter’s performance as Yolande, with viewers on social media calling for her to win an award.

Do you think Angela Wynter deserves an award? Tell us in the commentsComment Now

Speaking about taking on this storyline, Angela Wynter said: ‘It’s important to tell stories like this as sexual abuse is something that happens too often in our society, and ever has it been the case.

‘There are many people who are being abused, and they are not able to speak up because those doing the abusing are in positions of power. When that happens, many people fear they won’t be believed, that they’ll lose their job or status, or feel naïve or embarrassed, so they don’t speak up.

‘As an actor, I tell stories, and I felt I could tell this story and put a spotlight on this issue.’

In order to tell this story as accurately as possible, EastEnders has teamed up with charities End Violence Against Women Coalition and Hourglass.

MORE : EastEnders confirms huge shock for Yolande as she receives unexpected visit

MORE : EastEnders villain arrested as legend takes huge step to put him behind bars

MORE : Pastor Clayton’s comeuppance ‘confirmed’ as EastEnders’ Yolande takes the bravest action

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.