A lifelong EastEnders fan has forged a special friendship with one of the soap's biggest stars after they "hit if off" straight away.
Kylie Weatherby, 34, has been diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM), the same highly aggressive tumour as EastEnders' character Lola Pearce. The character is played by actor Danielle Harold, who is a passionate supporter of charity Brain Tumour Research.
The charity introduced her to Kylie on the EastEnders set and the two hit it off immediately.
READ MORE: Lucy Benjamin returns to EastEnders after years away from soap
They have kept in touch ever since, even appearing together on BBC’s Morning Live today to discuss their bond.
Kylie from Thetford said: "I'm so grateful to the charity for organising my visit to EastEnders and for introducing me to Danielle. We hit it off straight away, and it was without a doubt one of the happiest days of my life.
"It was such an amazing treat after all the health issues I’d been having.”
Kylie was pregnant with twins when she was diagnosed with a GBM in May 2021. She underwent surgery two weeks later, after delivering Luca and Malena by caesarean section at 37 weeks.
The mum-of-two then went on to have six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Sadly, she is now undergoing further chemo for a second brain tumour discovered six months ago, a rare stage 2 pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA).
Kylie has watched EastEnders for as long as she can remember and said she has been impressed by Danielle Harold’s portrayal of Lola.
In March, Kylie was introduced to Danielle on the EastEnders set at Elstree Studios by Brain Tumour Research - and the actor said the two have since forged a "special bond".
Danielle said: “I have been really touched by messages wishing me well in my portrayal of Lola during this very poignant storyline.
"Meeting Kylie and chatting to her have definitely been a highlight.
"She has the most beautiful family and I am so pleased we have found this bond in such difficult times.”
Susan Castle-Smith from Brain Tumour Research added: "It was a pleasure to introduce Kylie to Danielle and very touching to see how well they bonded.
"We look forward to working with them on future projects as we continue our efforts to improve treatment options for patients and, ultimately find a cure."
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Loose Women's Ruth Langsford shares ITV update after Eamonn Holmes' Phillip Schofield outburst
Multiple sclerosis symptoms and early signs including vision problems
Schoolboy screams as skin breaks out in painful blisters at Merseyside beach
DWP confirms dates for £150 disability cost of living payment
Frankie Bridge looks 'flawless' in £46 New Look dress 'perfect for a wedding'
