EastEnders breaks format with Yolande story in early iPlayer release

Note: This story deals with issues such as sexual assault.

Spoilers for EastEnders from Wednesday’s episode (April 17) follow.

EastEnders broke from its usual format in Wednesday’s double episode, which focused on the devastating story of Yolande Trueman.

As previously announced, Yolande was sexually abused by Pastor Clayton at a church fundraiser in the one-hour special broadcast of the BBC soap.

Yolande had previously confronted Pastor Clayton about his inappropriate behavior toward her, but was later forced to apologize for her “accusations.”

Because of her history with Pastor Clayton, Yolande was stressed out leading up to the fundraiser. An argument with her husband Patrick and some snarky comments from the pastor’s wife, Stella, didn’t help her feel any better.

She ended up attending the event alone, determined not to let recent events stop her from raising money for the charity.

While Yolande was alone in the kitchen, Pastor Clayton entered the room, locked the door, and frightened her greatly.

After the pastor’s attack, a desperate Yolande made her way to the laundromat, where she was comforted by a worried Elaine.

Yolande bravely told Elaine what Pastor Clayton had done to her, and the second half of the episode focused exclusively on her story.

The scenes also included flashbacks to other women who had previously been sexually abused by Pastor Clayton, as it became clear that this was not his first offense.

Viewers were shown how Pastor Clayton had sexually harassed women for decades, but disturbingly, none of his reports were taken seriously.

Today, Elaine urges Yolande to report the crime to the police.

Yolande was strongly against this idea because she could not bear the trauma of having to relive the ordeal and tell everyone what had happened.

She also expressed her concern for Patrick, explaining to Elaine that this would devastate him and that she wanted to enjoy the time they had left without it putting a strain on their relationship.

Elaine finally agreed to keep quiet as Yolande returned home to Patrick, who was waiting for her.

Yolande tried to carry on with Patrick as normal before quietly retreating into the hallway, where she collapsed on the stairs.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One. The show is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes are available as early as 6am before their TV broadcast.

Read more EastEnders Spoilers on our special homepage

EastEnders has been working on Yolande’s story, under the guidance of the End Violence Against Women Coalition and Hourglass provides specialized services and resources for women of all ages and backgrounds who have experienced any form of violence.

For more information visit Rape Crisis England and Wales, an organisation working to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, at your website or call the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Scotland’s rape crisis The helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the US are asked to contact RAIN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.

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