EastEnders' Lola Pearce makes emotional confession about Lexi

Ben shared his concern about Lola being unable to care for Lexi alone and suggested they tell their daughter about Lola’s health situation. A concerned Ben soon left as Lola encouraged his exit.

In Kathy’s, Ben spoke with Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) about his hopes for getting Lola some experimental treatment abroad with money from selling the Arches. Jay, however, showed his faith in Lola’s current doctors and thinks there is nothing else they can do.

But Ben refused to stand by and do nothing while they continue to keep the truth of Lola’s situation from Lexi.

At home, Billy was caring for Lola before Jay and Ben returned to speak with her.

Lola got upset as Ben began to list the potential side effects of her treatments, and warned her about Lexi finding out about her illness in the wrong way.

Billy and Jay began to agree with Ben, but this only upset Lola more and she remained adamant that she does not want to burden Lexi with the reality of the situation.

At the park, Ben approached a sad Lola once again and revealed he is keen to protect Lexi, too. Lola was adamant that she will be okay as Ben shared his research regarding experimental treatment and his plans to sell the Arches.

Ben reminded her that Lexi is going to notice the impact of Lola’s treatment, upsetting Lola more and prompting her to be sick before heading home.

At home, Lola spoke with Ben and revealed she is aware of the hardship to come, but is most scared for Lexi and wants to remain normal with her.

She remains adamant that she is going to survive and aims to keep things normal for Lexi as long as possible - but will tell her eventually.

A supportive Ben hugged Lola towards the end of the episode.

Fans will be aware that the storyline is building towards the tragic death of Lola, which will surely bring highly emotional scenes.

Elsewhere, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) found partner Rocky Cotton (Brian Conley) investigating Sophia, the online love interest of besotted Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman).

Rocky’s lack of help for busy Kathy, however, led to her expressing anger.

In response, Rocky set about helping sell Kathy’s cakes which had been iced with a spelling mistake by getting them battered to re-sell.

The cakes were a hit, but deputy market inspector Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) shut down the stall for a lack of paperwork and plans to report Kathy to the council, leaving Rocky in a deeper row with Kathy.

Later, Rocky discussed his problems regarding Kathy with her grandson Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) who encouraged him to appeal to Kathy’s emotional side and not try to win her over with flash gifts.

Bobby, Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) and Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero) helped Rocky surprise Kathy with fairy lights, music, a song and a dance. Rocky then apologised to Kathy for not being helpful enough with her.

Rocky then asked Kathy to be part of a partnership with him and professed his love to her, prompting Kathy to assume he is about to propose and she accepts before he asks.

Initially, Rocky looks shocked but soon celebrates with her, clearly hiding his concern. Why would Rocky be so concerned?

Finally, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) tried to speak to Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) about Kheerat (Jaz Deol), who has stopped taking his mother’s calls.

On the burger stall later, Stacey recalled fond times with Kheerat while speaking with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace). Stacey reveals that she thinks Suki is struggling and notes that Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) is putting her down. Stacey makes clear her dislike of Nish.

EastEnders is working closely with Brain Tumour Research and Macmillan Cancer Support on Lola's storyline, and you can find help and support by visiting the above websites.

Read more:

• 6 EastEnders spoilers next week: Sonia hears devastating news about Dot
• EastEnders' "moving", potentially life-saving Lola story praised by Macmillan
• EastEnders to show heartbreaking scenes as Lexi learns Lola's diagnosis

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 Streaming Guide, or visit our Soaps hub.

The latest issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast.