EastEnders spoilers follow.
Note: This article contains discussion of sexual assault.
EastEnders star Angela Wynter has explained her character Yolande Trueman’s next steps as her sexual assault story continues.
In one of the most powerful soap stories of the year, Yolande was sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton while they were working together.
The traumatic event took its toll on Yolande, who initially told only Elaine about her ordeal before eventually opening up to her husband Patrick and her wider family.
Related: Best streaming services
While she found the courage to report her assault to the police and Pastor Clayton was subsequently arrested, Yolande was told that the case wasn’t strong enough for a criminal charge.
But churchgoer Levi since got in contact with another victim called Delia, and she agreed to report the pastor to the police to strengthen the evidence against him.
While the storyline has taken a backseat recently, Angela has told Digital Spy that things are far from over, during the official EastEnders nominees photoshoot for the 2024 Inside Soap Awards.
Related: EastEnders star Sophie Khan Levy reveals Priya's future after family feud
We filmed a behind-the-scenes video with the cast as they got glammed up for photos, which you can see in the current issue of Inside Soap. You can watch our full video at the top of this page.
On what is coming up for Yolande, Angela said: "She’s going to be fighting for justice for herself. She wants the pastor to go to court and see his day. And it’s a hard slog. That’s all I can say!"
When asked about what it means to have led such a powerful storyline, Angela became emotional and said: "I’m really grateful to have been given the responsibility to carry that story, because it’s a very important story. A very important topic that we need to keep plugging at, to try and erase it from society, if ever we can."
Related: EastEnders star Heather Peace confirms more drama for Eve and Suki
Angela’s performance as Yolande has garnered widespread praise, and she has been nominated for Best Actress at this year’s Inside Soap Awards – alongside Rudolph Walker, who is up for Best Actor for his portrayal of Patrick.
"It’s lovely," Angela said, reflecting on her nod. "I’m a little numb, because I don’t really have the expectation of winning. It’s just nice to be nominated. It’s nice, it’s rewarding, it makes me feel validated."
Like the rest of the cast, Angela is looking forward to the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations next year and said: "It’s exciting. EastEnders is such a nice place to be, that I can’t even think how much nicer it’s going to be when we get to the 40th.
"I go to work and I walk along my corridor and I go, ‘Ooh, I’m at work!’ You get nice bubbles in your stomach when you go to work. So I can imagine it’s going to be really nice, because there’s a lovely family atmosphere."
To see Inside Soap's full exclusive pictures and interviews with the EastEnders cast, pick up the latest copy of the magazine, on sale now.
To cast your vote in the 2024 Inside Soap Awards, visit www.insidesoap.co.uk.
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
EastEnders has been working on Yolande's story with guidance from End Violence Against Women Coalition and Hourglass, which provides specialist services and resources for women of all ages and backgrounds, who have experienced any form of violence.
More information is available from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
