Pastor Clayton has found himself at the centre of Walford's gossip as he's formed a friendship with Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter). During Wednesday's episode of EastEnders, Yolande addressed the prayer group and asked for donations to the charity auction organised by Jean Slater (Gillian Wright), and was gifted some amazing items from the cause.
However, Yolande's happiness was short-lived when her fellow church-goer Agatha told her that people are whispering about her relationship with Pastor Clayton. The revelation left Yolande upset after realising her peers think she's having an affair with the married pastor.
In the latest trip to Walford (March 14), the rumours continued to fly around the prayer group with Pastor Clayton promising to quash the lies. He also reassured Yolande that he will demand Agatha stops gossiping. Away from the BBC One drama, Pastor Clayton star Howard Saddler has starred in a string of other popular television shows including The Office opposite Ricky Gervais.
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Howard Saddler has been acting since the nineties, when he appeared as Det Con Chambers in cult classic children’s show Grange Hill in 1995 for two episodes. His acting career spans across almost 30 years with early roles in The Bill, Footballer's Wives and Doctors. His bigger roles came in Family Affairs as Lesley 'Les' Boulter between 2003 and 2005.
Eagle eyed viewers may also have noticed that the role of Pastor Clayton isn't the first time Howard has appeared in the BBC soap. He's previously appeared in 2002 as Doctor Daniel Rodford for one episode. The doctor played a small part in one of the most memorable Christmas storylines of the BBC soap, as he treated Jamie Mitchell after Martin Fowler knocked him down with his car.
Sitcom fans will know Howard as Oliver in The Office during 2002 and 2003. The Wernham Hog worker is a good natured Swindoner who puts up with David Brent's (Ricky Gervais) 'jokes' without a care in the world.
Brent begins his relationship with this Swindon transferee by making jokes about the colour of his skin – but easy going Oliver shrugs off the bad taste gag. Of all the “Swindon slugs”, he is the only one who makes any effort to get on with his new boss.
The only time The Office worker appears to get under Oliver's skin is when co-worker Sheila confesses her desires. He's also starred in Judge John Deed, Rockface, Waking the Dead, and Black Cake.
Before appearing in EastEnders as Pastor Clayton, Howard starred in Netflix's The Witcher for one episode playing Herald in 2023. You can catch Harold as Pastor Clayton in EastEnders.
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