EastEnders boss reveals why they chose to kill off Lola Pearce in tragic ... trends now
An EastEnders boss has revealed what made them choose Lola Pearce for the BBC soap's tragic terminal cancer storyline.
The character, played by Danielle Harold, has a terminal brain tumour and was recently given only months to live, with her final scenes expected to air this week.
And while this has left many viewers devastated, the soap's Executive Producer, Chris Clenshaw, has admitted that's exactly why it 'needed' to be done.
According to Chris, as show bosses aimed to raise awareness for the condition, the character had to be 'loved'.
Speaking at a press screening for Lola's final episode, he discussed the immense thought that went into their decision, and revealed: 'The ending of one of our biggest storylines of the past year, and almost everyone on the show is extremely proud of the story, it's also an extremely sad time for us as we say farewell to the incredible Danielle Harold.'
Sad: An EastEnders boss has revealed what made them choose Lola Pearce for the BBC soap's tragic terminal cancer storyline
He continued: 'When we first came up with the idea of telling the story, we debated at great length, and it certainly wasn't a decision that we took lightly.
'The story was so powerful and we know from previous stories such as these that when EastEnders tackles or raises awareness of an issue, the impact can be huge and we all felt that this was one of those stories that needed to be told.
'With the support of Brain Tumour Research and Macmillan Cancer Support, whose help and support has been invaluable, we as well as all the families and most importantly those actually going through what Lola is, our understanding of the issue grew and we knew just how important it was that we tell this story.
'And let me tell you, right from the start Danielle has thrown her heart and soul, not only into the performance but also the detailed research.'
Chris added that he was full of praise for Danielle who has portrayed Lola's devastating journey.
'I think it's incredibly difficult. None of us want to say goodbye to the character, and none of us want to say goodbye to Danielle, but I think that's the character Danielle has created.
'She is so well loved, and you can only really tell a story like this with a character that is so well loved.
'We all know how talented Danielle is. But from the outset of this storyline, she has blown everyone away,' he said.
Tragic: The character, played by Danielle Harold , has a terminal brain tumour and was recently given only months to live, with her final scenes expected to air this week
Difficult: And while this has left many viewers devastated, the soap's Executive Producer, Chris Clenshaw, has admitted that's exactly why it 'needed' to be done
'She has not only portrayed the
