❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

EastEnders' Danielle Harold: Lola’s death "the most difficult thing" she’s ever filmed

Lola's time is coming to an end.

Jamie Borthwick as Jay Brown tends to Danielle Harold as Lola Pearce-Brown in EastEnders.

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Published: Saturday, 27 May 2023 at 10:00 pm

Subscribe to Radio Times magazine and get 12 issues for £1

In the coming week on EastEnders, the residents of Walford will say their final goodbye to Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold).

Ad

The beloved character has been battling a brain tumour on the BBC soap but she will lose the fight on Wednesday 31st May in hard-hitting scenes.

Speaking about Lola's final episodes, Harold has called them one of the hardest scenes she's ever filmed in her professional life.

During a press conference, Harold told RadioTimes.com and other outlets: "It was definitely the most difficult thing I've ever filmed in my life because, 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."

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Harold added: "That is when I struggled the most, when I got to them episodes. The vibe on set was very respectful. I can't tell you how respectful it was on that set, it was a completely different vibe that I've never felt before.

"I think because in some way everyone has been affected by cancer, so it just meant so much to everybody that we got it correct.

"And also listening to [Lola's family] saying their goodbyes and not cry. I had to ask the medical advisor if I could cry at that stage. She said yes, that your emotions are still there. So that helped me play those lines."

Danielle Harold as Lola Pearce-Brown and Isabella Brown as Lexi Pearce in EastEnders.

Harold with Isabella Brown, who plays Lexi Pearce in EastEnders. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Harold praised executive producer, Chris Clenshaw, for creating such a powerful story to play.

"I can't thank Chris enough for giving me the best exit," Harold explained. "I really can't thank [him] enough for the way that's it's been done. When Chris made that decision, he really did let me play out all of Lola's life in the space of a very short time."

Read More

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.

Ad

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

RadioTimes.com deputy editor Helen Daly. She has brown hair, is smiling and stands in front of a wall full of ITV programme logos

Helen DalyDeputy Digital Editor

Helen Daly is the deputy digital editor for Radio Times, overseeing new initiatives and commercial projects for the brand. She was previously Deputy TV Editor at a national publication. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.

Ad

Ad

Subscribe for £1 per week

Too much to watch this autumn? Let Radio Times magazine and app do the choosing, with expert picks across TV, streaming and film.

Subscribe now

Loading...

Ad

Loading...