DANIELLE Harold says Lola Pearce’s tragic brain tumour plot on ‘EastEnders’ has been “full on” and she has been “sad” to say goodbye to everyone in Walford.
The 30-year-old actress – who has played the 26-year-old hairdresser on and off since 2011 – admitted it is “sad” that her character is to meet her maker, especially leaving behind her 10-year-old daughter Lexi (Isabella Brown) and husband Jay (Jamie Borthwick).
But Danielle admitted she hasn’t had “much time” to consider the plot’s impact on her own future.
She told Politicalite: “I was sad for Lola, and I’ve played her for such a long time. It’s crazy that it’s coming to an end now. But I’ve also been so busy because the storyline has been so full-on that I’ve not really had time to think about finishing or me going.
“I’m glad that I finally got to play so many bits of Lola’s life story that I’ve always wanted to do – we’ve rounded Lola up in a really lovely way this year. And it’s been such a privilege to do this storyline. I’ve been anxious about doing it properly and making sure I’ve done my best.”
Danielle admitted the hard-hitting BBC One soap storyline has been “very difficult” to portray.
She said: “The whole story has been hard with just how sad it is. Brain tumours are so awful, they affect so many. And watching people decline in that way… It’s been very difficult to play.”
The British Soap Award nominee revealed her relationship with her co-star Perry Fenwick – who plays Lola’s grandfather, market trader Billy Mitchell – is similar to their on-screen dynamic, because the 60-year-old actor feels “like her dad”.
Danielle said: “Perry’s literally like my dad, I’m like his adopted kid. I’m not sure if wanted me or not, but he’s stuck with me now.
“He was very emotional on my last day, it’s been tough. I’ll miss him, obviously, I’ll see him all the time, but I’ll miss getting to act with him every day.”
EastEnders airs Mon-Thurs at 7.30pm on BBC1 – new episodes drop at 6am on BBC iPlayer where you can also catch up with episodes you’ve missed.
