Walford teenager Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) finds solace in the most unexpected place in upcoming EastEnders scenes, as Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) gives her a much-needed pep talk.
Distraught after news of her sleeping with Joel Marshall (Max Murray) went viral, Avani is in a state of distress and feeling alone.
Newcomer Joel latched onto her shortly after arriving on Albert Square with dad Ross (Alex Walkinshaw), and the pair soon became close.
Already vulnerable after being strip-searched by the police, Avani was looking for company and comfort, and the teenagers soon fell into bed (or onto the sofa, as it were).
However, unbeknownst to Avani, he’d recorded the whole thing – having learned no lessons from being forced to leave Australia after making an ‘upskirting’ video there too.
And, as Avani’s situation worsens, she finds her mood bolstered by a chat with a surprisingly supportive Nicola.
As the week begins, Avani is bombarded with a series of cruel messages online when news spreads of her sleeping with Joel.
A concerned Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman) tries to reach out, but she storms off when he mentions Joel.
Later, he finds her in clear distress in the playground, and attempts to help out again.
As Barney comforts Avani over the abusive messages she’s been getting, Nicola walks in and finds them together.
She initially assumes that Avani has been leading Barney astray, but he puts her right, revealing the abuse she’s been suffering.
Nicola gives Avani a pep talk and, touched by the Mitchells’ support, she and Barney continue to bond.
Avani asks Barney if he wants to go back to her house, but grows angry when he gets the wrong end of the stick – and storms off again.
Watching the altercation, Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) offers Barney some advice.
And, as he and Avani make amends later, she leans in and gives him a kiss. But how will Barney react?
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