Note: This article contains discussion of topics including sexual assault and suicide.
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders will air an emotional breakthrough for Yolande Trueman this Christmas, as she takes a brave step.
Yolande has been involved in a hard-hitting storyline this year, after she was sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton, a man who she had originally thought she could trust before he started behaving inappropriately.
Although Yolande later reported Pastor Clayton to the police for assaulting her, she was dealt a further blow in October when she found out that he had taken his own life before facing justice.
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As Christmas approaches, Yolande struggles to get into the festive spirit after her terrible year, especially after she discovers that Pastor Clayton is being buried on Christmas Eve.
In scenes that will air in the week beginning Monday, December 23, Yolande continues to suffer in silence as she shuts out Patrick Trueman and Denise Fox when they try to support her.
Yolande later gets involved in a tense conversation with Kat Slater and Alfie Moon at the laundrette, before heading home to be alone.
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However, she's struck with guilt when Patrick reminds her that it's the 20th anniversary of his son Paul's death, as she had forgotten about the significance of the date.
As Christmas Eve dawns, Yolande makes up with Patrick and decides to head out to church. At the church, Yolande meets up with other women who were also assaulted by Pastor Clayton, and leads them inside in a moving moment.
Yolande is left feeling uplifted by her experience with the other women, and finds that she has rediscovered her faith after months of battling with doubts.
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She later heads over to the community centre to help out, feeling that she has arrived in a much better place.
Will Yolande now be able to enjoy a peaceful Christmas with her family?
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.
