EastEnders star speaks out on Yolande's devastating story

Note: This story discusses topics including sexual assault.

EastEnders actor Angela Wynter has spoken about her character Yolande Trueman's upcoming sexual assault storyline.

Earlier this week the BBC One soap confirmed that Pastor Clayton would sexually assault Yolande during an hour-long episode airing next Wednesday (April 17) as the show explored a new issue-based storyline.

Speaking about the upcoming scenes, Wynter explained that she felt it was important to cover stories such as sexual abuse as it is "something that happens too often in our society."

yolande trueman, pastor clayton, eastenders

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"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."

Viewers will be aware that Yolande has already raised her concerns about the Pastor's inappropriate conduct after he made her uncomfortable at a charity event — something she was later manipulated into apologising for.

BBC

Speaking about the scenes, Wynter said: "Yolande now thinks she overreacted because Pastor Clayton made her feel like that, but her instinct was right."

The actor went on to explain that after their "reconciliatory conversation" Yolande believed the pair had been able to resolve their issues, due to the faith she has in Pastor Clayton as a religious man.

BBC

"She does think that they've resolved their issues, but there is still a little reserve on Yolande's part. She trusts Pastor Clayton because he's a man of the cloth," she added.

"Sometimes, people don't see the red flags when they are dealing with people in positions of power. So not only does Yolande think she's dealt with this issue, but she also believes in the greater good in Pastor Clayton."

All of this trauma occurs at the same time Yolande has relationship troubles with Patrick, with the actor explaining: "The conflict between Yolande and Patrick is all because she's busy, busy, busy with the fundraiser and he's not understanding that.

"Patrick has come home and naturally he wants Yolande all to himself. But he wants too much time and more than she can give him. Yolande promises Patrick that she'll be all his after this fundraiser work is done."

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.

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.