EastEnders Lola Pearce to be diagnosed with brain tumour in emotional soap story

2022-10-05

EastEnders bosses have revealed that fan favourite Lola Pearce will be diagnosed with a brain tumour in an emotional upcoming storyline.

The story will see Lola and her loved ones deal with her diagnosis, as she faces her new reality of being a young person living with a brain tumour.

Soap bosses have confirmed that the emotional scenes are due to air on the BBC this Autumn.

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Speaking about taking on the storyline, Lola star Danielle Harris 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 heart-breaking 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 is working alongside Brain Tumour Research and Macmillan Cancer Support on the storyline, with Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw explaining: "It was vital for us to work alongside Macmillan and Brain Tumour Research to take on, and accurately present, such a profound and emotional storyline for Lola, one that many viewers may relate to.

"Danielle [Harold] has thoughtfully relayed the realities of being diagnosed with a brain tumour with grace and understanding.

"We hope that this storyline resonates with the audience, and that we represent it as sensitively, and accurately as possible."

Sue Castle-Smith, Head of PR and Communications for the charity Brain Tumour Research added: "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."

The storyline follows confirmation from actress Danielle Harold that she is leaving the soap, after more than a decade as Lola.

During her time on Albert Square, Lola has welcomed daughter Lexi and formed bonds with residents including Jay Brown, with Danielle telling Daily Star at The 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."

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