When will Lola die in EastEnders? Danielle Harold's exit explained

Over the past couple of months, Lola has tried to fight the diagnosis, but it's become too much for her, with doctors telling her she doesn't have long left.

Speaking about the end of her character's life, Danielle Harold spoke about her "beautiful final script".

Talking to The Sun, the actress said: "I didn't want to read my final script. We pick them up from the script desk if we are in work and my final ones were sat there for ages!"

She continued: "They kept asking me if I'd taken them yet, and I was like, 'No, I don't want to.'"

"I left them there until I was ready," she said, adding: "I got to the second page and was in absolute bits. It was the hardest thing to read but it's also the most beautiful episode of EastEnders I've ever read."

But with the inevitable on its way, and emotional scenes to come, when exactly will Lola lose her battle?

And why is actress Harold leaving EastEnders? Read on for all we know so far about Lola's fate.

When will Lola die?

Lola faced her diagnosis in scenes that aired in 2022, and she and Jay were distraught as they took in the doctor's words. While she was initially positive about her recovery, it soon became clear she wasn't going to survive this diagnosis.

Past that, Lola had to come to terms with her fate, as she attempted to make plans for what remained of her future - including getting married to Jay.

It's now been confirmed that Lola will die on Wednesday 31st May 2023. That episode is currently scheduled to air at 7:30pm.

Speaking about the storyline for the first time, Harold said: "It means so much to be trusted with a storyline like this – one that’s close to many people’s hearts. Sadly many of our viewers will be able to relate to Lola’s story and it’s been heartbreaking to speak to the families affected by brain tumours and hear their stories.

"They’ve been so amazing in sharing their experiences with me, and I’m so lucky to have them. I wouldn’t be able to do this storyline without their support."

Why is Danielle Harold leaving EastEnders?

In 2022, it was rumoured that Lola's fate is part of a 'cast cull' following the arrival of new EastEnders producer Chris Clenshaw. This has not been confirmed, so we are yet to hear whether star Harold chose to quit her role, or whether she has been written out via a team decision.

However, she did discuss her love of the show, as well as her future plans, while chatting to the Daily Star at this year's British Soap Awards.

"EastEnders has been such a big part of my life, but I can't wait to start something new. I want to work on other things and play other characters. I can't wait to get out there and see what's possible. I'd love to do a drama — something with a beginning, middle and an end to the story.

"I want to do something completely different to soaps. I'd love to get back to doing some films as well."

Harold added: "You can't train anywhere better than a soap. It's so fast-paced and the hard work you put in is insane. The actors on soaps are amazing. I couldn't have learned in a better place."

For information, help and support on matters associated with this storyline, head to Macmillan Cancer Support or Brain Tumour Research.

Read more:

• EastEnders confirms Lola Pearce brain tumour storyline
• EastEnders' Danielle Harold 'axed' as Lola Pearce to be 'killed off'

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