EastEnders aired a big change for Avani Nandra-Hart in emotional new scenes tonight, following on from her shocking strip search ordeal.

Recently the teenager and friends Amy and Lily found themselves at the police station after being wrongly framed for being in possession of drugs by Marvin, a boy who previously sold Avani vapes.

While her friends were picked up early by their parents, Avani was left waiting around and was told by officers that they needed to strip search her as she could have more drugs concealed. The strip search took place by two female officers without an appropriate adult present and Avani has been struggling in the aftermath of the assault.

Ravi and Priya eventually uncovered the truth about her ordeal – and in yesterday’s episode the concerned parents told Jack Branning to escalate their complaint about Avani’s strip search ordeal. However, Jack revealed that no further action would be taken and that Avani should make a complaint herself.

When Priya asked her to after, Avani refused and today’s episode (17 April) saw Avani avoid her mother, seeking solace in the laundrette.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Related: 6 lessons soaps can learn from EastEnders’ big Avani story

The teenager spent time with Yolande, helping out with folding sheets before deciding to open up to Yolande about her strip search ordeal.

“And how they searched you Avani, was it in an appropriate manner?” Yolande asked Avani.

She replied: “According to them it was but they made me get naked, I had to take my clothes off in front of strangers and I didn’t even do anything wrong. Now I just keep thinking about it all the time.”

Related: EastEnders airs surprise return and three major exits in early iPlayer release

Yolande offers comfort to Avani and we next see the pair at the police station, with Priya turning up to see her daughter.

“Just got your text. Why the change of heart?” she asks Avani, before Yolande interjects: “You have a very brave girl here.”

“Your mum will take things from here,” she adds, with Priya providing support as Avani gets ready to log an official complaint about the strip search.

Eastenders has revealed a terrifying threat as Avani faces more consequences in her ongoing drugs storyline.

Previously, viewers saw Amy and Avani make amends after Avani’s ordeal at the police station last month. After repairing their friendship, Amy invited Avani to a party at her house that evening, but on the way Avani met up with her dealer Declan to pick up some drugs.

During Tuesday’s episode (15th April), Avani’s mum Priya was full of praise for her daughter – but doesn’t know about the stash she’s picked up on the way to Amy’s party.

During the party, Amy and Avani reconnected and were looking forward to a good night, leaving Avani quickly regretting her decision to bring the drugs.

She proceeds to bin them, but things take a turn for the worse when it turns out that Declan has followed her there with some of his mates.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Related: Best streaming services

At first, Avani tells Amy that Declan is her friend but, keen to get him out of the house, she comes clean to Amy, who is horrified a dealer has turned up uninvited and threatens to call Jack.

Telling the intruders her police officer dad will be here any minute, Nugget and Denzel come to Amy and Avani’s defence as they ask Declan and his friends to leave, but Declan has other ideas.

Related: EastEnders airs devastating Stacey funeral clash in early iPlayer release

He pulled out a hammer, claiming he didn’t want to leave the party and threatening that he’s “just getting started”.

Jack arrived shortly after and Declan and his friends soon flee after learning he’s with the police. But the damage might have already been done.

Will Amy and Avani be able to repair their friendship again or is it too late for the girls?