Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual assault.
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders has aired a surprise proposal twist for Patrick and Yolande Trueman.
The beloved Walford couple has been through a difficult time in the past few months, after Yolande was sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton. Though Patrick has been supportive of Yolande since she opened up about the ordeal, recent episodes have seen the couple experiencing intimacy issues.
This week, Yolande was heartbroken when Patrick made an excuse to get out of giving her a massage. She confided her relationship fears to Denise Fox, who tried to explain the situation to Patrick.
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In tonight's episode, the couple faced their troubles head on with a honest conversation about their feelings. Patrick shared that he wanted to give Yolande some space, before explaining why he avoided massaging her.
"For a long time now, I've been scared of hurting you. So when you asked me to massage you, I was kind of worried it was too soon," he said, adding: "I just don't want to ever remind you of that man."
Yolande informed Patrick that it wasn't his decision to make, reassuring him that he didn't hurt her and was nothing like Pastor Clayton. She admitted that she missed "every part" of him.
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The pair, who recently won 'Best On-Screen Partnership' at the British Soap Awards, agreed to take things slowly as they tried to patch up their relationship, with Patrick promising to respect Yolande's wishes and listen to her.
Later, while slow dancing in their living room, Patrick admitted that he felt Yolande was slipping away from him. As they held each other, he used the romantic moment to ask her to marry him.
"Yes, of course I will," Yolande replied, before giving him a kiss.
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.
