EASTENDERS viewers broke down in tears as residents of Walford said their final goodbyes to Lola Pearce during tonight’s heartbreaking episode.
EastEnders star Danielle Harold bowed out of the BBC One soap tonight in tear-jerking scenes.
Lola passes away surrounded by her family
Jay stayed with his wife till the very end
Kathy said her final goodbyes in emotional scenes
Lola dies in the arms of her daughter Lexi
Fans of the London-based drama have all been dreading the inevitable since learning Lola’s brain tumour had spread.
The fan-favourite character was desperately weak and became unresponsive.
The nurse let everyone know it was time for Lola’s loved ones to say their goodbyes as she had only hours left.
Her family, friends and neighbours all paid her a visit to say their final goodbyes.
Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) and Callum Highway (Tony Clay) went into Lola’s bedroom and say goodbye, promising to look after her daughter Lexi for her.
Meanwhile, other residents gathered in the Queen Vic pub and talked about their fond memories of Lola.
Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) battled with saying goodbye to Lola, as Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) also struggled with the situation.
Meanwhile, Lola’s 10-year-old daughter Lexi (Isabella Brown) wants to make sure her mum has nails her favourite colour.
Jay told his wife that he hopes they will be reunited in another life before breaking down in tears.
Lola eventually breathed her last while she was embraced by Lexi and Jay.
Viewers were left sobbing over the heart-breaking scenes.
Taking to Twitter, one said: “I’m in floods of tears watching this.”
Another wrote: “Crying my eyes out, Lola you will be so missed.”
A third penned: “When I tell you I’m BAWLING… Give Danielle Harold and Jamie Borthwick all the awards.”
Actress Danielle Harold who plays the young mum first joined the EastEnders cast as Lola in 2011, before being written out of the show in 2015.
The character then made a dramatic return in 2019, and over the years has been involved in some big storylines.
Dannielle previously told the BBC: “Lola’s story has been a very hard one to tell and one that sadly affects so many people.
“Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet historically only 1% of research is allocated to this devastating disease.
“I would like to take a moment for everybody that has reached out to me and shared their experiences with me, I have read every message and hold all of your messages close to my heart whilst playing this story.
“I have been blessed to meet the most incredible people and work with some wonderful charities along the way and I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for all your support, advice and love.”
