EastEnders fans are gearing up for possibly one of the most emotional onscreen deaths on tonight's [Wednesday] episode as Lola's friends and family will gather around to say their goodbyes before she passes away following a terminal cancer battle.
The BBC soap will undoubtedly have people across the country in floods of tears, which comes after Lola was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year and was later told that it was incurable and there was nothing that could be done.
We reported previously how her treatment options had been exhausted, despite the best efforts of Ben Mitchell in prolonging her life, and now fans can get an early glimpse of the episode ahead of it airing on the television tonight on BBC iPlayer.
It follows on from the previous emotional two-instalment bumper episodes which saw Lola and Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) as they ventured to the seaside town of Lola's childhood in Margate.
Actress Danielle Harold opened up on her final scenes and told Radio Times: "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."
She continued: "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."
Danielle added: "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."
When the 31-year-old soap star first spoke about the hard-hitting storyline, she 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 airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
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