EastEnders exit: Why is Danielle Harold leaving as Lola Pearce? Inside tragic storyline | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Lola Pearce’s (played by Danielle Harold) final episode on EastEnders will be on Wednesday 31 May when she dies from a brain tumour.

Fans of the long-running BBC soap learned the actress would be leaving last year as several stars were cut from EastEnders.

In Lola’s final scenes, her family including husband Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) and daughter Lexi, will gather around to show how much they love her.

Meanwhile, Lexi’s father Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) boards a flight to the US to try and find an alternate treatment to try and stop Lola from dying.

Express.co.uk has everything you need to know about Lola’s final scenes and why Danielle Harold is leaving.

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Why is Danielle Harold leaving EastEnders?

In June 2022, it was reported Danielle had been called into a meeting where she was told her character was being axed.

The Sun claimed Danielle was left in tears when she heard Lola would be killed so there would be no chance to return.

Danielle was said to have been shocked by the news which was part of executive producer Chris Clenshaw’s plan to restructure the show.

The actress addressed her exit at the British Soap Awards, telling the Daily Star: “EastEnders has been such a big part of my life, but I can’t wait to start something new.

“I want to work on other things and play other characters. I can’t wait to get out there and see what’s possible. I’d love to do a drama – something with a beginning, middle and an end to the story.

“I want to do something completely different to soaps. I’d love to get back to doing some films as well.”

Danielle has been supportive of Lola’s storyline and worked alongside Macmillan Cancer Support and Brain Tumour Research to ensure the storyline is sensitively handled.

“It means so much to be trusted with a storyline like this – one that’s close to many people’s hearts,” the soap star said.

“Sadly many of our viewers will be able to relate to Lola’s story and it’s been heartbreaking to speak to the families affected by brain tumours and hear their stories.

“They’ve been so amazing in sharing their experiences with me, and I’m so lucky to have them. I wouldn’t be able to do this storyline without their support.”

Meanwhile, Chris said the decision to write out Lola was “tough” but it was important a beloved character was chosen for the storyline.

He told Inside Soap: “f course, that is the nature of soap, it’s always tough and we don’t like to say goodbye.

“But when you play big stories it has to be with characters you love. Lola is a much-loved character – she has grown up in Walford and is very close to the audience’s heart, which is why her story matters so much.

“We wouldn’t do this story with anyone, but it is an important story that needs to be told.”

How does Lola Pearce die?

Next week, it becomes clear Lola is nearing the end of her life when she suffers another seizure.

Lola’s friends including Kim Fox (Tameka Epsom) and Denise Branning (Diane Parish) hide their concern and visit the young mum where they put on a show to cheer her up.

Lola is thrilled as her friends and neighbours let her know they are thinking of her by staging a unique greeting for her in the Square.

On Wednesday, Jay battles with saying goodbye to Lola, as Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) also struggles with the situation.

Kathy and Callum go into Lola’s bedroom and say goodbye, promising to look after Lexi for her.

EastEnders airs Monday-Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm.