How did Lola Pearce die on EastEnders?
EASTENDERS fans were left devastated after Lola Pearce's final scenes aired.
The young mum died as part of a heartbreaking storyline on the BBC soap, leaving her grieving friends and family behind - and fans in floods of tears.
Who was Lola Pearce in EastEnders?
Lola Pearce was the daughter of Emma Harding and Dan Pearce, and the granddaughter of Billy Mitchell.
The character first joined the EastEnders cast in 2011, before being written out of the show in 2015.
Lola then made a dramatic return in 2019, and over the years has been involved in major storylines.
Some of her biggest plots include her teenage pregnancy after a one-night stand with her cousin Ben Mitchell, her battle to keep newborn daughter Lexi out of care, and her relationships with Peter Beale and Jay Brown.
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What happened to Lola Pearce in EastEnders?
In 2022 it was revealed that Lola had an untreatable brain tumour.
Doctors were hopeful they could cut out the majority of the tumour and then treat her with chemo and radiotherapy to get the rest of it.
But sadly, this wasn't the case and she was told she didn't have long to live.
The beloved hairstylist was then seen making happy memories with her loved ones as her time quickly ran out.
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How did Lola Pearce die in EastEnders?
Lola passed away from her terminal cancer during the EastEnders episode on May 31, 2023.
The character died as her daughter Lexi slept beside her and the sun rose across Albert Square.
Before her death, Lola's husband Jay had struggled to say goodbye, telling his dying wife: "I can't say it, I can't. You ain't leaving me, you are in my bones, my veins, it is not our time.
"If there's a god, we'll have another shot at this. Maybe we'll come back as something else, me you and Lex. A family of ants. You might come back as a fox. As long as I get to come back with you. This ain't goodbye, I don't have to say it."
In the episode's closing scenes, a fox ran across the square in reference to Jay's hope that Lola would return as the creature.
When is Lola's funeral?
EastEnders will celebrate tragic Lola's life with a festival-style knees-up in next week's episodes.
Albert Square decked out with bunting and a balloon arch reading “Lola Fest”.
A small stage and table of food and drink complete the set as well as an array of colourful tents and gazebos.
Phil Mitchell will be alongside son Ben Mitchell and Callum Highway carrying a white coffin covered in a regal flower assortment and branded with Lola's name.
A host of floral tributes for Lola, including one saying "Mum" could be seen displayed on the floor outside the church.
Residents will not be donned in all black outfits which is the usual attire for such an event.
Instead, most of them will be sporting colourful and patterned clothing, proving Lola's funeral will be organised in her bubbly image.
Who played Lola Pearce?
Actress Danielle Harold played Lola on EastEnders.
The star's other roles include appearances in Casualty, Dead Ringers and Pleasureland.
Ahead of Lola's final scenes, Dannielle 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.
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"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."