EastEnders star in tears after being told she has been axed from the BBC1 soap and will be killed off

EASTENDERS star Danielle Harold — who plays Lola Pearce — has been axed from the BBC1 soap.

The actress, 29, was in tears after being told her character was being killed off.

Script bosses are planning a major storyline around single mum Lola’s departure.

It is part of new boss Chris Clenshaw’s plan to shake-up the show with a number of explosive twists over the summer.

An Albert Square insider said: “Dan was in pieces. The cull came out of the blue.

“She was not expecting the chop because her character has been a firm favourite with viewers. She’ll be written out with no option to return.”

Danielle met with bosses last week after her contract had just six months left to run.

She was expecting to discuss an extension.

The set insider added: “Danielle was teary but was told a number of the cast were being shown the door.

"No-one else has been given their marching orders yet however.

“The rest of the cast are rallying around her.”

A source added: “She handled the news like a true pro and is eager to throw herself into the storyline.”

Danielle played Lola in EastEnders from 2011 to 2015, before making a dramatic return in 2019.

Last night EastEnders did not comment.