EastEnders' Lola Pearce comes to terms with diagnosis in heartbreaking scenes

New pictures released by the BBC show Lola coming to terms with her shocking news.

Staring into the mirror, the beloved character prepares to head into surgery - and the outcome will be life-changing either way.

News of Lola's exit was confirmed earlier this month, and speaking of the storyline, 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."

EastEnders worked with Brain Tumour Research and Macmillan Cancer Support on the hard-hitting real-life portrayal.

Sue Castle-Smith, head of PR and communications for Brain Tumour Research, said: "We are extremely grateful to EastEnders for helping to raise awareness of brain tumours. Sadly, Lola’s story is all too familiar to thousands of families.

"Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age, they kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer."

Read more:

• EastEnders' Kheerat Panesar plans to send Nish away after exposing lies
• When is Dot's funeral on EastEnders? All you need to know on sad goodbye
• When will Lola die in EastEnders? Danielle Harold's exit explained

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 or visit our Soaps hub.

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