Yolande’s family become increasingly worried about her.
Note: This story discusses topics including sexual misconduct.
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders’ Yolande Trueman will fear for Chelsea Fox in the aftermath of her shocking attack.
Yolande has recently been at the centre of a devastating storyline involving newcomer Pastor Clayton. During the soap’s hour-long episode last week (April 17), the pastor sexually assaulted Yolande at the community centre.
In scenes set to air next week on BBC One, Denise and Patrick are surprised at Yolande’s heightened reaction to Levi’s concerns about her not attending prayer group.
Yolande then seeks solace in the laundrette, where she has an emotional conversation with Jean over her crisis of faith. After talking to Jean, Yolande then heads home to start preparing for Jordan’s upcoming baptism.
As she starts to plan the event, Yolande is faced with an angry Chelsea, who urges her to not be so pushy about her son’s life. Following her outburst, Chelsea is convinced by Denise and Patrick to make things right with Yolande.
Chelsea later informs Pastor Clayton of Jordan’s baptism and is invited to the community centre to discuss the arrangements with him.
Yolande becomes concerned when she realises Chelsea is with the pastor, and heads to the community centre to get her to leave.
Chelsea and Denise soon become worried by Yolande’s behaviour and encourage Patrick to organise a doctor’s appointment for her.
In the Square, Pastor Clayton continues to intimidate Yolande, who forbids him from being involved in Jordan’s christening. Later, Patrick’s worries for Yolande grow after he arrives home to find that she had let the hob catch fire whilst praying.
Will Yolande confide in her family?
Actor Angela Wynter, who returned to the soap as Yolande last year, recently spoke about how important it is for EastEnders to tackle the difficult storyline.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
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.
