Danielle Harold reveals hopes for new roles after EastEnders exit

Her final performances as Lola wowed fans after she tackled the emotional storyline of discovering that she had a terminal brain tumour and eventually passing away.

But on her exit from the soap, it looks as though Harold is ready to tackle something else in the drama sphere.

Talking to RadioTimes.com and other press at this year's NTAs, Harold said of her life post-Walford: "I wish I'd have gone to an island and relaxed. Straight back into auditioning so I can't wait to see what's next!"

She said: "I would love to do a series with a beginning, middle and an end to the story. Because with EastEnders as a soap, you're constantly thinking... so it'd be lovely to do something with a beginning, middle and an end."

When asked whether she'd ever consider venturing into the world of reality TV now that she's done with EastEnders, Harold said: "I don't know really. That's what's exciting about leaving a soap when you've been in it for such a long time, it's like the world changes, the industry changes so much – I'm really excited to see what's next."

On winning her award this evening, Harold said: "I can't tell you how much this means to me, it means so much."

Harold had previously revealed that she struggled to power through the script for the episode in which Lola dies, saying that it was "the hardest thing to read" but that it was also "the most beautiful episode of EastEnders I've ever read".

Harold said that scene in which the character dies is "definitely the most difficult thing I've ever filmed in my life", explaining: "Obviously, we haven't experienced it and so, just to put yourself in that mindset, it was really difficult, and slow your body down and everything. I thought that would be the easy part."

Read more:

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• Former EastEnders star Caroline Paterson makes emotional return to Walford set
• EastEnders confirms the “unwelcome” return date for Emma Harding
• Why EastEnders must resurrect Fatboy next after glorious flashback cameo
• EastEnders' Ricky Norwood reacts to epic Fatboy return: "Absolutely thrilled"

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.

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