Yahoo News EastEnders viewers 'broken' as Lola loses fight with brain tumour
Fans praised the BBC for its handling of the emotional story
EastEnders fans said they were “broken” as Lola Pearce lost her fight with a brain tumour, but said the soap was “spot on” with its portrayal of cancer.
The much-loved character (Danielle Harold) passed away during Wednesday night’s (31 May) instalment of the BBC soap, after heart-breaking goodbye scenes with her husband Jay (Jamie Borthwick) and daughter Lexi.
Lola has become a fan favourite since arriving in Albert Square 12 years ago and many viewers said they were in floods of tears saying goodbye to her.
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"I’m pretty sure I’ve never cried so hard at a soap before," one tweeted.
"EastEnders has officially broken me," said another.
Somebody else called the episode a "masterpiece", adding: "Beautifully scripted scenes all the way."
"A beautiful, but devastating, end to the storyline that essentially brought the show back from the brink." remarked another fan.
"Deserves to stand alongside the greatest things EE have ever done. I'm broken."
Somebody else said they "absolutely sobbed", adding: "The acting was spot on, everything about it was so real. If they don’t win an award for this whole storyline then something is WRONG."
Another viewer tweeted: "I hate that Lola was killed off, but everything about this story was brilliant (& heart-breaking); writing, performances, the details of hospice so spot on. It was simply brilliant."
Cancer charities praised the soap for heartwrenching story
Cancer charities also praised the soap for its sensitive handling of the moving storyline.
“We are grateful to @DHaroldOfficial who played #LolaPearce for her portrayal of the harsh reality and the devastating impact of a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) diagnosis,” Brain Tumour Research tweeted after Lola passed away, adding the hashtag "#TogetherWeWillFindACure".
Extremely sad scenes in BBC EastEnders tonight, as Lola finally passes away. We are grateful to @DHaroldOfficial who played #LolaPearce for her portrayal of the harsh reality and the devastating impact of a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) diagnosis. #TogetherWeWillFindACure pic.twitter.com/DlHQ2rGbNw
— Brain Tumour Research (@braintumourrsch) May 31, 2023
The organisation Tom’s Trust posted: "We are grateful to the #BBC & #EastEnders for the accurate, compassionate portrayal of Lola's brain tumour story.
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"By highlighting her challenges, the show raises awareness about young individuals' brain tumour experiences & urgent need for mental health support."
Watch: EastEnders Soap Scoop - Lola's final week
