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.

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.

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.

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?