EastEnders has lined up a romance story for two Walford teenagers as Barney Mitchell works up the courage to ask Avani Nandra-Hart out.

Back in March, 15-year-old Avani was detained at the police station after Marvin, a boy she bought vapes from, dropped a bag of drugs at her feet and ran off.

At the station, Avani was strip searched by two female officers without an appropriate adult present. Since then, she has been struggling to deal with the trauma of the assault.

In today’s episode, Avani opened up to Yolande about the assault and found the courage to file an official complaint to the police.

Elsewhere this week, Avani faced more turmoil as part of the drugs storyline. After buying drugs from Declan, Avani went to a party at Amy’s where she made amends with her friend.

avani nandrahart, priya nandrahary and barney mitchell, eastenders
BBC

avani nandrahart and barney mitchell, eastenders
BBC

After Declan followed her to Amy’s house, he refused to leave, creating trouble for the teenager and causing yet another rift in Amy and Avani’s friendship.

Meanwhile, Barney has a crush on Avani, but has been too scared to ask her out. And Barney’s secret dad Zack Hudson has been trying to get close to his son who is being bullied by Tommy Moon and Joel Marshall.

In scenes that will air next week, Priya encourages Avani to spend time with her friends, but it is clear they are avoiding her when Avani’s texts go unanswered.

barney mitchell, eastenders
BBC

barney mitchell, eastenders
BBC

 

At McKlunky’s, Priya manages to persuade Avani to have lunch with Barney, where the pair later make amends.

Zack is deflated when Barney refuses his offer to help with Tommy and Joel, and things go from bad to worse.

Barney frets as Avani accepts his invite to Nicola’s birthday party.