28 May 2023 , 08:00
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EastEnders star Danielle Harold shared that filming her character Lola Pearce's death is the "most difficult thing she's ever done".
Actress Danielle will bow out of the show in devastating episodes next week, as her character Lola passes away at home after battling a brain tumour.
Lola was diagnosed with the illness last year, and soon learned she didn't have long to live. Next week the character's loved ones must say goodbye for the final time as she dies.
Speaking ahead of the scenes airing next week, Danielle told The Mirror and other press about filming her final scenes as the much-loved character.
Danielle told us it was one of the hardest things she has ever had to do, and had initially expected her death scenes to be the easiest part.
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EastEnders star Danielle Harold shared that filming her character Lola Pearce's death is the "most difficult thing she's ever done" (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)She explained: "It was definitely the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. To put yourself in that mindset, it was really difficult to slow the body down, doing the breathing, everything.
"I thought that would be the easiest part, but I definitely struggled with that the most. The vibe on set was very, just so respectful, I can’t tell you how respectful it felt,.
"It really was a completely different vibe that I had never felt before. I think it was because everyone on set has been affected by cancer, it just meant so much to everybody that we got it correct.
"I really struggled and it was really difficult, and I had to listen to these guys saying their goodbyes and not cry! I had to ask the medical advisor whether you’re able to cry at that stage, and they explained that you’re able to hear, which really helped to play those last scenes."
Actress Danielle will bow out of the show in devastating episodes next week (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Danielle also praised soap boss Chris Clenshaw for her exit storyline, sharing her gratitude that Lola was able to have her backstory played out before her death, including the arrival of her mum Emma.
She said: "I can’t thank Chris enough. It’s been the best exit, I can’t thank him enough for the way it’s been done. It wasn’t just the exit, but he really did let me play out all of Lola’s life as well in the space of a very short time.
"Obviously, I’ve been at the show for so many years, but we’ve never really dug into Lola at all! Over the years, to be able to find out her whole life in the space of this, has been pretty amazing.
"There have just been so many different things that I’ve always wondered about Lola as well, so to find it all out and work out all the answers, it’s just been such a lovely journey."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.