BBC EastEnders fans praise 'powerful' Yolande and Patrick episode as Pastor Clayton's downfall 'sealed'

EastEnders fans have praised the "incredible" episode of EastEnders tonight.

Yolande Trueman was harrowingly sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton in heartbreaking scenes, but her husband Patrick Trueman had yet to find out about what happened. Tonight, Yolande struggled to tell her husband the truth of what happened and she asked Elaine to help her explain what happened to her. As Elaine explained what happened, Patrick struggled to process the news.

Patrick tried to discuss with Yolande what happened and do his best to support her, but she locked herself in the bathroom. When Patrick's anger kicks in, and he heads out to confront Pastor Clayton, she followed him and rushed to stop him.

As they returned back inside, discussions turn to what happened and Yolande decided she would report Pastor Clayton to the church officials, but she insisted she didn't want to go to the police.

Fans were left heartbroken by the powerful scenes, with one fan noting: "I like that they had Patrick's response be imperfect, felt very real to the characters, but he was always going to come good in the end. Surprisingly heart-warming given the subject matter, I think it's easy to imagine a more dramatic version, but this was richer." A second added: "Every so often in TV or film there's performances which are so convincing and compelling that you're reminded of how difficult acting really is and how much "craft" is really involved. This was one of those times. Massive well done to Angela and Rudolph."

A third shared: "Unbelievably excellent episode. Yolande's monologue about consent was outstanding and it was award level acting. It all felt so raw and real," with a fourth sharing: "Watched this episode with my boyfriend. I was a victim of my Best friend assaulting me on my own bed. And being touched up by him before that. And when Yolande told Patrick what's what. I just started bawling."

With Pastor Clayton set to be reported to the church officials by Yolande, will he finally be exposed for his terrible and vile crimes and all the women he has assaulted and abused over the years?

* If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999

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