Yahoo News EastEnders announces shocking suicide in Yolande story
EastEnders spoilers follow.
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual assault and suicide.
EastEnders has announced a shocking suicide in Yolande Trueman’s sexual assault story that will air next week.
Earlier this year, Yolande was sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton while they worked together for the church.
Yolande eventually told her family about her ordeal and then found the strength to report the assault to the police.
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There initially wasn’t enough evidence, but when another of the pastor’s victims decided to come forward, he was charged with two counts of sexual assault.
While Yolande’s story has been paused for a couple of months, it will be revisited in scenes that will air next week.
She is reluctant to attend the Harvest Festival celebrations that are taking place at the community centre – which is where she was assaulted.
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But she then gets the news from DS Amartey that a third woman has come forward in the case against Pastor Clayton.
As she processes this new development, Yolande catches up with Amy. She is inspired by Amy’s strength in dealing with her injuries, so decides to be brave herself and heads to the community centre.
Churchgoers Levi and Agatha are delighted to see her, but the mood changes when the pastor’s wife Stella arrives.
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She asks Yolande to retract her statement against her husband, but she isn’t swayed and gives Stella some home truths.
Later at home, Pastor Clayton himself barges in and demands to speak to Yolande – while Patrick is in The Vic, unaware of what is going on.
The pastor also asks Yolande to change her statement, but she refuses, and shortly afterwards, Denzel returns home and marches him out.
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Patrick, Kim and Howie are shocked when they find out what has happened, but Yolande feels strong after standing up to her attacker.
But there is some shocking news ahead, as later that evening, the police arrive and inform Yolande and Patrick that Pastor Clayton has taken his own life.
The family rally around Yolande as she comes to terms with the pastor’s suicide, and she is comforted by Patrick.
Just as Yolande is questioning her next move, Stella arrives to speak to her. How will this meeting play out?
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.
We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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