EastEnders' star Max Bowden, known for his role as Ben Mitchell in the BBC soap, has opened up on Lola's brain tumour storyline and admitted it has been the "hardest thing he's ever dealt with" following the devastating death of his best friend in real life.
The 28-year-old acting star, who rose to fame for playing Justin Fitzgerald in Waterloo Road, is currently starring alongside Danielle Harold as Lola, who is nearing the end of her life. Fans of the show are preparing to be left in floods of tears over her departure.
Max's character Ben has been desperate to do anything in his power to prolong Lola's life by exploring different options with doctors in a bid to get her through the summer until Lexi moves across to her new school.
