Yahoo News EastEnders to air special Yolande and Patrick two-hander episode
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual assault.
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders will air a special two-hander episode next week, as Yolande and Patrick Trueman take centre-stage in a poignant episode focusing on Yolande's devastating sexual assault.
The BBC has confirmed that actors Angela Wynter and Rudolph Walker, who play Yolande and Patrick, will feature in an episode devoted entirely to their characters, as Patrick discovers that his partner was recently sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton.
The emotional episode will see Yolande finally break her silence about the assault, as she opens up to her partner about what she has been going through in silence over the past few weeks.
Related: EastEnders reveals aftermath of Bianca discovery
While Patrick will finally have answers on why Yolande has been struggling recently, their conversation will begin a new and difficult journey for the couple as Patrick tries to process the awful news and work out the best way to support Yolande.
EastEnders' executive producer Chris Clenshaw has given an insight into the upcoming special episode, praising actors Wynter and Walker for their powerful performances.
"When you have a story that deserves time and space to explore, and you have talent like Angela Wynter and Rudoph Walker, it felt only right to produce an EastEnders two-hander episode," he said.
"This conversation is the most difficult that Yolande and Patrick will ever have, and an episode dedicated to them gives us a chance to tell this story truthfully and authentically. I'm in awe of the performances Angela and Rudolph have given and they've handled such a challenging and sensitive subject matter."
Related: EastEnders shares images of Olly Alexander scenes
The special two-hander episode with Yolande and Patrick will air on Tuesday, 7 May.
Wynter has previously spoken out about the importance of telling Yolande's story, explaining that many people who have been sexually abused have been targeted by people who are in positions of power or authority.
"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.
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.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information 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.
You Might Also Like
