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EastEnders star Danielle Harold discusses decision to kill off Lola
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders star Danielle Harold has opened up about her character's tragic final storyline, describing it as the "best exit" for Lola Pearce-Brown.
The actress recently filmed her final scenes as Lola, which will air in Wednesday's emotional episode (May 31).
News that Lola would be leaving the show first leaked out in the media a year ago. In a heartbreaking storyline, Lola was then diagnosed with a brain tumour and later learned that her illness was terminal.
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Speaking at an EastEnders press event this week, Danielle praised executive producer Chris Clenshaw for giving Lola a fitting send-off.
Danielle explained: "I can't thank Chris enough. It's been the best exit and I can't thank him enough for the way it's been done.
"It wasn't just the exit, but Chris really did let me play out all of Lola's life as well, in the space of a very short time.
"Obviously, I've been on the show for so many years, but we'd never really dug into Lola at all over the years. To be able to find out her whole life in the space of this storyline has been pretty amazing.
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"There have just been so many different things that I've always wondered about Lola as well, so to find it all out and work out all the answers, it's just been such a lovely journey.
"When we had the conversation, I felt that Lola had so much to give, but Chris said that he wanted to show that with Lola before she dies. He's definitely done that justice because I've literally been like: 'What about this?' Even the little things, he's just been so amazing at making Lola's life make sense."
Clenshaw has previously stated that it was important to tell the brain tumour storyline with a well-loved character, so this is why Lola was chosen for the plot.
Danielle admitted: "When Chris told me that, I said: 'I don't think she is!' For me, it's been so overwhelming. I never felt like that character Chris was describing. It was a Catch 22 – Chris saw that in me and it was amazing."
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Danielle also spoke about how she found filming Lola's death scenes.
Next week's episodes see nurse Suzanne, who's part of Lola's care team, warn that she's nearing the end. Suzanne suggests that Lola's loved ones should start saying their goodbyes.
Reflecting on the episodes, Danielle explained: "It was definitely the most difficult thing I've ever done. To put yourself in that mindset, it was really difficult to slow the body down – doing the breathing, everything.
"The vibe on set was just so respectful. I can't tell you how respectful it felt, it really was a completely different vibe that I had never felt before. I think it was because everyone on set had been affected by cancer, so it just meant so much to everybody that we got it correct.
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"I really struggled and it was really difficult, and I had to listen to the characters say their goodbyes and not cry! I had to ask the medical advisor whether you're able to cry at that stage and they explained that you're able to hear, which really helped to play those last scenes."
She continued: "It's become quite hard for me to switch off. I've not really wanted to switch off, to be honest, because I've been able to meet so many people that live with brain tumours, people that have lost loved ones to brain tumours, children that have died as well – it's become such a huge part of my life with these people.
"I can't thank them enough for sharing their stories with me and it just makes you want to tell it with even more truth than you first imagined. You can't help but let it become a part of your life."
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Organisations including Brain Tumour Research, Macmillan Cancer Support and Stand Up to Cancer can provide help and support to those living with brain cancer and their loved ones.
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