EastEnders reveals devastating Pastor Clayton message in early release
EastEnders spoilers follow for Wednesday’s episode (October 2), which is available to watch now on streaming service BBC iPlayer and hasn’t yet aired on TV.
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual assault and suicide.
EastEnders has revealed a devastating message from Pastor Clayton in the show’s latest episode.
This week, the pastor paid Yolande a visit and pleaded with her to withdraw her statement about his sexual assault, but she remained firm.
She was later told by the police the shocking news that Pastor Clayton had taken his own life that evening.
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Today’s episode began directly after this announcement as Yolande struggled to take in the news, while the officer assured her that this wasn’t her fault.
Later, Patrick found Yolande with her head in her hands at the kitchen table, as she explained that in her quest for justice, she never wanted the pastor to die.
She didn’t want there to be hate in her heart and was determined to pray for his soul, like she would for anyone else who had taken their own life.
Sure enough, Yolande later got up from bed and said prayers for the pastor, even though she found it very difficult to do so.
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Her restless night continued as she went to get a glass of water downstairs but was interrupted by a knock on the door from Pastor Clayton’s wife Stella.
She was distressed by the evening’s events and didn’t know where else to go, so Yolande allowed her to come inside and talk.
In an emotional conversation, Stella apologised for previously asking Yolande to withdraw her statement and said that she believed in her husband like she believed in God.
She revealed that Pastor Clayton had sent her a voice note before he took his own life, but she didn’t feel strong enough to listen to it on her own.
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Yolande agreed to listen to it with her, in the hope that he might have unburdened himself in the message.
But in a devastating twist, the pastor remained firm on his stance, saying: "I simply cannot admit to allegations that aren’t true. You know I am completely and wholly innocent."
Stella was inconsolable, and Yolande later said that because she had pushed so hard for the truth, Pastor Clayton will now never admit to what he did.
What will Yolande do now?
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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