When did Lola Pearce and Lexi return to EastEnders, when were they was last seen in Albert Square and what can viewers expect?
The wild child of Albert Square is back to cause more trouble
IT was announced in December 2018 that Lola Pearce would be making a return to Walford after a three-year absence.
But what do we remember about her and why is she coming back? Let’s remind ourselves…
Who is Lola Pearce in EastEnders?
Lola Pearce is the Billy Mitchell’s granddaughter. Her dad - Dan Pearce – was a child Billy fathered with Julie Perkins when they were teenagers.
Dan was put up for adoption and when Billy and Julie tried to track him down later they were shocked to find out he was dead.
But he had a daughter – Lola – who was in care and Billy and Julie tracked her down.
Julie didn’t want anything to do with Lola but Billy did and eventually, Julie left Walford and Lola moved in with Billy.
She gave birth to her daughter in McKlunkey’s and named the baby Lexi. It was later revealed that Lexi’s dad was Ben Mitchell.
The pair – who are third cousins – slept together as Ben was confused about his sexuality.
Lola became involved in a custody battle with Phil Mitchell after he found out his son Ben was Lexi’s dad.
Lola had a relationship with Peter Beale but it was tough for them as the Mitchells and the Beales have never seen eye to eye.
The pair split up when Peter realised he still had feelings for his ex-girlfriend Lauren Branning.
Lola and Lexi left the soap in July 2015 shortly after she got together with Jay Brown.
They went to Newcastle and Jay was meant to join them later but Lola dumped him, telling him she was seeing someone else.
Who plays Lola Pearce in EastEnders?
Lola is played by actress Danielle Harold who is 26 years old.
Danielle joined EastEnders in 2011 when it was announced she would be joining the cast as another Mitchell blonde.
In July 2012 Danielle’s character Lola gave birth in a special live edition that coincided with the Olympic games being held in London. She was the first EastEnders star to act giving birth live on air. Danielle was praised for her portrayal of Lola who had her baby in McKlunkey’s chicken shop.
Since leaving EastEnders Danielle has had a part in Casualty and has also starred in some British movies.
When is she returning to EastEnders?
It was announced on December 19th 2018 that Danielle would be reprising her role as Lola Pearce.
Danielle said: “I’m so excited to be returning to EastEnders next year. EastEnders was my first acting job and I have so many happy memories from my time there.
"I can’t believe it’s been over three years since I left and I can’t wait to get back and find out what Lola has been up to.”
Kate Oates (Senior Executive Producer, EastEnders) added: “As a viewer, I always admired Lola’s feisty, fiery spirit and viewers will have a lot to look forward to with her return.
How will Jay respond seeing the love of his life walk back into Walford after all these years and for Billy to have his best girl back in town, I can’t wait.”
Lola and Lexi will arrived back in Walford, accompanied by Ben Mitchell on April 1 2019.
What can viewers expect?
There’s definitely some unfinished business between Lola and Jay so we’re sure that will be revisited.
Danielle revealed to The Sun Online that there would be some beef with her and Ruby Allen over the funeral director.
Hinting about how messy it will get, she said: "I don't know, I'm really not sure yet but I am really interested to see where that little three goes."
Ruby and Danielle have history as they're both romantically linked to Jay Brown.