GOODBYE, LOLA

Actress Danielle Harold opens up on her amazing EastEnders experience and heartbreaking exit

- ALICE PENWILL

For 10 years, Lola Pearce-Brown has lived in Walford, entertaining us with her witty one-liners and warming our hearts, now with new husband Jay and daughter, Lexi.

But after her terminal cancer diagnosis in October, Lola’s life has been filled with heartbreak.

While Lola has been overwhelmed by the thought of saying goodbye to her family, actress Danielle Harold, 31, has barely had time to think about leaving such a big part of her life behind as she bows out from the soap.

“It’s so crazy that it’s coming to an end,” she says. “But I’ve also been so busy because the storyline has been so full-on that I’ve not really had time to think about finishing. We’ve literally not left the set! I’m sad for Lola. I’ve played her for such a long time.”

Since Lola was given the news that she has an incurable brain tumour, her condition has been gradually worsening, with symptoms finally leaving her drifting in and out of consciousness. This week marks the final days of her life. But will Danielle be watching her final scenes?