Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) faces fresh heartache in EastEnders next week when she learns of Pastor Clayton’s funeral.

Clayton died by suicide last month after police were able to charge the predator with his crimes.

Earlier this year, Clayton sexually assaulted Yolande at the community centre in harrowing scenes, and after finding the courage to report his crime, she was devastated when the police claimed they did not have enough evidence.

A second survivor of Clayton’s abuse called Delia later came forward revealing Clayton had attacked her during his time at a previous parish, and the CPS then charged the pastor with two counts of sexual assault.

After a third woman also came forward, Yolande received a visit at home from Clayton, during which he tried to intimidate her into dropping the charges. 

Yolande managed to stand up to her attacker, but she was stunned when police informed her later that night that Clayton had taken his own life. 

Viewers saw the character left devastated that Clayton’s death meant he would not face justice for his crimes.

Since then, Yolande has tried to rebuild her life and reconnect with her Christian faith, but as Christmas approaches, she is struggling to get into the festive spirit. 

With Walford rallying around to turn on the Square’s Christmas lights next week, Yolande is taken aback when she learns about Pastor Clayton’s funeral. 

Her family remain concerned about her, and later in the week, Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) and Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) try to convince despondent Yolande to attend Jordan’s Christingle service.

Will they be able to support Yolande in her time of need?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer.