Avani kisses Barney after being touched by his support in EastEnders

Could this be the start of something more?

 24-30 MAY

As news gets out about her sleeping with Joel, Avani pales after she receives an onslaught of cruel messages online.

Barney tries to reach out, but she gets defensive when he mentions Joel and storms off.

Later, Barney finds Avani in distress in the playground and attempts to help again.

When Nicola finds Barney comforting Avani over the abusive messages, she assumes that she’s leading Barney astray. But when Barney reveals the reason behind her upset, Nicola gives Avani a pep talk.

Touched by his support, the pair continue to bond and Avani asks Barney if he wants to go back to her house, but she gets angry when he gets the wrong end of the stick and storms off.

Spotting the altercation, Ravi gives Barney some sage advice and later, Barney and Avani make amends before she gives him a kiss.

EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One with first look episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer