Lola Pearce (also Pearce-Brown) is a fictional character from the
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
soap opera
A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (radio and television), serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term ''soap opera'' originat ...
''
EastEnders
''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith (producer), Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the ...
'', played by
Danielle Harold. She was introduced as the granddaughter of
Billy Mitchell
William Lendrum Mitchell (December 29, 1879 – February 19, 1936) was a United States Army officer who had a major role in the creation of the United States Air Force.
Mitchell served in France during World War I and, by the conflict's end, ...
(
Perry Fenwick
Perry Fenwick (born 29 May 1962) is an English actor. He is known for portraying the role of Billy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role which he has played since 1998.
Career
Television
Fenwick's first regular television rol ...
) and
Julie Perkins (
Cathy Murphy
Catherine McKevitt Murphy (born 7 August 1967) is a British actress. She is known for her television roles as Tilly Watkins in the BBC drama ''The House of Eliott'' (1991–1994), Cheryl Barker in the Channel 5 soap opera ''Family Affairs'' (2 ...
), and an extension to the already established
Mitchell family
The Mitchell family is a fictional family in the UK soap opera ''EastEnders''. They were first introduced in February 1990, when brothers Phil ( Steve McFadden) and Grant Mitchell ( Ross Kemp) bought the local garage, the Arches. Their siste ...
. Lola made her first appearance on 12 July 2011. Her storylines have mainly focused on her relationship with her family, a
teenage pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in a female under the age of 20.
Worldwide, pregnancy complications are the leading cause of death for women and girls 15 to 19 years old. The definition of teenage pregnancy i ...
after a
one-night stand
A one-night stand is a single sexual encounter in which there is no expectation that there shall be any further relations between the sexual participants. It draws its name from the common practice of a one-night stand, a single night performanc ...
with her third cousin once removed
Ben Mitchell (Joshua Pascoe), fighting to keep newborn daughter
Lexi Pearce (Dotti-Beau Cotterill) out of care, her friendships with
Abi Branning (
Lorna Fitzgerald
Lorna Katie Fitzgerald (born 17 April 1996) is a British actress from Northampton. Her most notable role to date is that of Abi Branning in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders''. Since leaving ''EastEnders'' in January 2018, Fitzgerald has develop ...
),
Dexter Hartman
Dexter Hartman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Khali Best. His debut was on 7 January 2013. Dexter is the grandson of Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell) and son of her illegitimate daughter, Ava Hartman ( Clare P ...
(Khali Best) and later
Frankie Lewis (
Rose Ayling-Ellis), relationships with
Peter Beale (
Ben Hardy/
Dayle Hudson) and
Jay Brown (
Jamie Borthwick
Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor. He rose to prominence for his portrayal of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', in which he has starred since 2006. His role on ''EastEnders'' earned him a British Soap A ...
), improving her situation by becoming a
hairdresser
A hairdresser is a person whose occupation is to cut or style hair in order to change or maintain a person's image. This is achieved using a combination of hair coloring, haircutting, and hair texturing techniques. A hairdresser may also be re ...
, having an
abortion
Abortion is the early termination of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus. Abortions that occur without intervention are known as miscarriages or "spontaneous abortions", and occur in roughly 30–40% of all pregnan ...
after becoming pregnant by Jay, and being diagnosed with a
glioblastoma
Glioblastoma, previously known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most aggressive and most common type of cancer that originates in the brain, and has a very poor prognosis for survival. Initial signs and symptoms of glioblastoma are nons ...
brain tumour
A brain tumor (sometimes referred to as brain cancer) occurs when a group of cells within the brain turn cancerous and grow out of control, creating a mass. There are two main types of tumors: malignant (cancerous) tumors and benign (non-cancero ...
which resulted in her death.
Some critics gave a positive response to Lola's introduction. Kate Woodward of ''
Inside Soap
''Inside Soap'' is a weekly soap opera and television listings magazine published in the United Kingdom. The magazine is currently released every Tuesday. It covers storylines featured in British and Australian soap operas that are broadcast in t ...
'' said Lola's introduction had been a "revelation" and Tony Stewart from the ''
Daily Mirror
The ''Daily Mirror'' is a British national daily Tabloid journalism, tabloid newspaper. Founded in 1903, it is part of Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), which is owned by parent company Reach plc. From 1985 to 1987, and from 1997 to 2002, the tit ...
'' stated "in little less than a month on the Square, the spirited Lola has already created havoc." On 23 July 2012, Lola gave birth to her daughter,
Lexi Pearce, during a
seven-minute live segment, making her the first character to ever give birth live on ''EastEnders'' and the second character ever in soap opera. On 13 June 2015, it was announced that Harold was exiting her role as Lola after being written out of the show. Harold left the show on 28 July 2015. Bosses left the door open for her to return, and a return for the character was announced on 20 December 2018. Lola returned on 1 April 2019. On 15 June 2022, it was announced that Harold had been axed from ''EastEnders'' once again, and Lola's death was broadcast on 31 May 2023, after a storyline of her battling a terminal brain tumour. Following on from her death, Lola continued to make appearances via video recordings up to 9 October 2024.
Creation and development
Casting

The character of Lola was announced on 7 June 2011 and she was created as an extension of the established
Mitchell family
The Mitchell family is a fictional family in the UK soap opera ''EastEnders''. They were first introduced in February 1990, when brothers Phil ( Steve McFadden) and Grant Mitchell ( Ross Kemp) bought the local garage, the Arches. Their siste ...
. As she meets her grandparents for the first time, Lola quickly forms a bond with them as she has been deserted by everyone else in her life.
Eighteen-year-old Harold was cast in the role and she said "I am so excited to be joining ''EastEnders''. I have watched the show all my life and I never thought that one day I could be in
Albert Square
Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location work i ...
. It feels strange to be walking round
Walford
Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
with people I have grown up watching—I still have to pinch myself.".
''EastEnders'' is Harold's first acting job and she was given the role following her first audition, which shocked her. Harold told ''
Daybreak'', "It was my first audition that I'd ever had, so I was really nervous and I was thinking, 'I'm never going to get it - I'm just going to have fun while I'm there'. I was just shocked to even get the casting for it, so I was over the moon when I actually got the part."
Harold previously starred in
Jamie Oliver
Jamie Trevor Oliver Order of the Star of Italy, OSI (born 27 May 1975) is an English celebrity chef, restaurateur and cookbook author. He is known for his casual approach to cuisine, which has led him to front numerous television shows and o ...
's Channel 4 reality show ''
Jamie's Dream School'' and got into an acting school because of the show. Harold said she had always wanted to be an actress and was grateful to be given a great character in Lola.
Lola made her first appearance on 12 July 2011.
Characterisation and style
In an interview with ''
Inside Soap
''Inside Soap'' is a weekly soap opera and television listings magazine published in the United Kingdom. The magazine is currently released every Tuesday. It covers storylines featured in British and Australian soap operas that are broadcast in t ...
'', Harold said she was grateful for the complex nature of her character, saying, "Lola's not out-and-out evil but she's not very nice. She's got so many sides and I am having a great time exploring them." Lola is described as "a stroppy little 15-year-old, prone to fighting, tea-leafing and gobbing off."
She is also "sharp, cocky but likeable."
Of Lola's personality, the official ''EastEnders'' website said "Bright as a button but with a mouth that runs away with her, Lola is wild and definitely Walford bound. A self-reliant person who does what she has to do in order to get what she wants, she's not to be messed with."
Harold described her character as "feisty" and said she has got a lot of attitude.
Daniel Kilkelly from
Digital Spy
Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its initial launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television pro ...
, labelled Lola "rebellious", while the BBC said she is "a troublesome teen" and a "petite bombshell."
BT described the character as "''EastEnders'' new tearaway and Billy's wayward granddaughter" and said "It seems Lola isn't exactly the butter-wouldn't-melt type. Surprise, surprise. Billy and Julie leave when Lola tells Billy she's not interested in the fact that he's her granddad, or that her dad's dead. What a lovely young lady."
Virgin Media
Virgin Media Limited is a British telecommunications company which provides telephone, television and internet services in the United Kingdom. Its headquarters are at Green Park in Reading, England. It is owned by Virgin Media O2, a 50:50 ...
also branded Lola a troublemaking, teen tearaway and said she was "a chip off the Mitchell block." They added that she is a "blonde babe." Chris Hooton from the ''
Metro
Metro may refer to:
Geography
* Metro City (Indonesia), a city in Indonesia
* A metropolitan area, the populated region including and surrounding an urban center
Public transport
* Rapid transit, a passenger railway in an urban area with high ...
'' branded Lola as "mischievous." Lola usually wears a tracksuit and trainers.
Storyline development
When Lola arrives she becomes embroiled in a
love triangle
A love triangle is a scenario or circumstance, usually depicted as a rivalry, in which two people are pursuing or involved in a romantic relationship with one person, or in which one person in a romantic relationship with someone is simultaneo ...
with Jay Mitchell and Abi Branning. The storyline was summed up in ''Inside Soap'' by Kate Woodward who commented "Although I love Abi and Jay together, it's great to see them face serious obstacles thanks to her meddling. Lola is big trouble and has Jay is firmly in her sights. But he's in love with Abi. It was a brilliant idea to team moody Jay with good girl Abi. They work well as a couple, but with the interference of Lola their story has got even more interesting."
When
Phil Mitchell
Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
(
Steve McFadden
Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) begins to be stalked, the BBC named Lola one of the many suspects. However, the stalker is later revealed to be
Ben Mitchell (Joshua Pascoe).
Pregnancy, live birth and motherhood

On 15 July 2012, it was revealed that Harold would become only the second actress to act out a birth during a live episode of a soap opera, following ''
Coronation Street
''Coronation Street'' (colloquially referred to as ''Corrie'') is a British television soap opera created by ITV Granada, Granada Television and shown on ITV (TV network), ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced ...
's''
Jennie McAlpine
Jennie Elizabeth McAlpine (born 12 February 1984) is an English television actress, comedian and businesswoman. She is known for her roles as Michelle Morley in Emmerdale and Fiz Brown in the ITV (TV channel), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street' ...
(
Fiz Brown
Fiz Brown (also Stape and Dobbs) is a fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV channel), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Played by Jennie McAlpine, the character first appeared on screen on 20 April 2 ...
) in
the live 50th anniversary episode broadcast in December 2010. An insider from the ''
Daily Mirror
The ''Daily Mirror'' is a British national daily Tabloid journalism, tabloid newspaper. Founded in 1903, it is part of Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), which is owned by parent company Reach plc. From 1985 to 1987, and from 1997 to 2002, the tit ...
'' stated "No-one has tried anything like this on ''EastEnders'' live before so it is a real challenge to get the emotion of the situation right. It will be the toughest thing Danielle has done in her acting career." The episode broadcast on 23 July 2012 and centred around Lola's grandfather Billy carrying the
Olympic Torch
The Olympic flame is a Olympic symbols, symbol used in the Olympic movement. It is also a symbol of continuity between ancient and modern games. The Olympic flame is lit at Olympia, Greece, several months before the Olympic Games. This ceremony s ...
across Walford. A seven-minute live segment at the end of episode showed Lola giving birth to her daughter, while Billy rushed to witness the birth.
Harold said of the rehearsals for the live section: "I have known about this live episode for such a long time but all of a sudden it has crept up on us. I am really nervous but now we have started rehearsing, I am feeling equally excited. It will definitely be an experience and I hope Perry runs smoothly!"
She also said she was "terrified" of acting out the birth, saying she would prefer to give birth in real life. She said that filming the pre-recorded labour scenes meant she "was knackered after screaming and crying and pretending to push all day." In an interview with
Digital Spy
Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its initial launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television pro ...
, she said that she was "really, really nervous" and that the prospect of acting the birth was "very scary", but added, "I really appreciate that they've given me the opportunity, especially considering that I haven't been here at ''EastEnders'' for that long. It's really nice that they've trusted me with it, so hopefully I'll do it justice! It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll go well."
To help prepare, she asked several women for advice, including her mother, and was told "It's the worst pain you can ever imagine!"
She found it "quite difficult" to imagine what it would be live to act out as she has no children, but had watched
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British free-to-air public broadcast television channel owned and operated by Channel Four Television Corporation. It is state-owned enterprise, publicly owned but, unlike the BBC, it receives no public funding and is funded en ...
show ''
One Born Every Minute
''One Born Every Minute'' is a British observational documentary series which shows activities taking place in the labour ward. The programme ran for eleven series on Channel 4, premiering on 9 February 2010 and airing its final episode on 9 May ...
'' to help, as she did not want to "overdo the scene or make it look really fake."
Departure and reintroduction
On 13 June 2015, entertainment website ''
Digital Spy
Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its initial launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television pro ...
'' revealed that ''EastEnders'' had chosen to write the character out of the show. They announced that Harold would be filming her final scenes within the following months and that show bosses are not killing Lola off, leaving potential for a return in the future. Harold praised her time on the show and the storylines she has been given: "I've had the most amazing time at ''EastEnders'' having been involved in some exciting storylines, including giving birth in a live scene." She also said how she would miss the cast and crew at ''EastEnders'' and how she looks forward to her acting future.
Executive producer,
Dominic Treadwell-Collins
Dominic Treadwell-Collins (born 26 August 1977) is a British television producer, known for his work on the soap operas ''Family Affairs'' and ''EastEnders'', creating the ''EastEnders'' spin-off series '' Kat & Alfie: Redwater'' and Executive P ...
spoke of Danielle and her time on the square: "We all love Danielle and she and Lola have been a big part of ''EastEnders'' over the past four years. Danielle is a fantastic actress and I genuinely look forward to seeing her shine in future roles away from the Square."
[ Lola's exit scenes aired on 28 July 2015.
In May 2018, Harold expressed an interest in reprising her role as Lola, opining that Billy needed her character's support. She added that she would return if she was asked. Seven months later, on 20 December 2018, it was announced that Lola would return to ''EastEnders'' over three years since her exit.] Upon her reintroduction, the character is billed as matured and "a fiercely protective mum" to Lexi. Harold expressed her delight at reprising her role, commenting, "I can't wait to get back and find out what Lola has been up to." Kate Oates
Kate Oates (born 1979 or 1980) is a British television producer, who was born in Nottingham and graduated from Warwick University. She began her career working as a researcher and editorial assistant for Germaine Greer, before becoming a script ...
, the senior executive producer of ''EastEnders'', said that she "admired Lola's feisty, fiery spirit" and looked forward to her return. She added that it would create storylines for the characters related to Lola, including Jay and Billy.
Brain tumour and death
In June 2022, it was reported that Harold had been axed by new executive producer Chris Clenshaw as part of his plan to reinvent the show. Other characters to be axed alongside Lola included Peter Beale ( Dayle Hudson), Stuart Highway
Stuart Highway is a major Australian highway. It runs from Darwin, Northern Territory, Darwin, in the Northern Territory, via Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, to Port Augusta in South Australia; it has a distance of . Its northern and souther ...
(Ricky Champ
Ricky Champ (born 1 July 1980) is an English actor. He is known for his roles as Paul Parker in the BBC Three sitcom '' Him & Her'', and Stuart Highway in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Champ has also appeared in '' Crims'', ''Plebs'', and ...
), Dana Monroe (Barbara Smith) and Jada Lennox (Kelsey Calladine-Smith); however, Lola's departure attracted the most media attention. It was speculated that Lola would be killed-off as part of an illness storyline to raise awareness; however, nothing was initially confirmed by ''EastEnders''. The decision to axe Lola was met with high volumes of criticism from fans and critics alike, who believed that Lola's character had "a mass of potential storylines to be explored in the future", and felt passionately that Harold had created a fan favourite and that it would be a grave mistake to lose her. A spokesperson for ''EastEnders'' told Radio Times
''Radio Times'' is a British weekly listings magazine devoted to television and radio programme schedules, with other features such as interviews, film reviews and lifestyle items. Founded in September 1923 by John Reith, then general manage ...
that Harold was reportedly "teary" at the decision to write Lola out of the show; however, she accepted the news like a professional and was looking forward to her exit storyline.
In October 2022, it was officially announced that Lola would be killed-off after being diagnosed with a brain tumour
A brain tumor (sometimes referred to as brain cancer) occurs when a group of cells within the brain turn cancerous and grow out of control, creating a mass. There are two main types of tumors: malignant (cancerous) tumors and benign (non-cancero ...
, in a storyline that drew inspiration from the death of The Wanted
The Wanted are a British-Irish boy band formed in 2009, and originally consisted of members Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker, and Nathan Sykes. The group signed a worldwide contract to Universal Music, Island Reco ...
singer, Tom Parker. ''EastEnders'' announced that they would be working closely with Brain Tumour Research, Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. It also looks at the social, emotional and practical impact cancer can have, an ...
and other experts in the field to portray Lola's illness accurately. When discussing the storyline, executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: "It was vital for us to work alongside Macmillan and Brain Tumour Research to take on, and accurately present, such a profound and emotional storyline for Lola, one that many viewers may relate to. Danielle has thoughtfully relayed the realities of being diagnosed with a brain tumour with grace and understanding. We hope that this storyline resonates with the audience, and that we represent it as sensitively, and accurately as possible". Harold added, "It means so much to be trusted with a storyline like this – one that's close to many people's hearts. Sadly many of our viewers will be able to relate to Lola's story and it's been heartbreaking to speak to the families affected by brain tumours and hear their stories. They've been so amazing in sharing their experiences with me, and I'm so lucky to have them. I wouldn't be able to do this storyline without their support".
Sue Castle-Smith, Head of PR and Communications for the charity Brain Tumour Research, made the statement: "We are extremely grateful to ''EastEnders'' for helping to raise awareness of brain tumours. Sadly, Lola's story is all too familiar to thousands of families. Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age, they kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer". Dany Bell, Strategic Advisor for Macmillan Cancer Support for Treatment, added: "Storylines like Lola's play a crucial role in raising awareness and can genuinely save viewers' lives, so we are really pleased to be helping ''EastEnders'' ensure a realistic experience is being portrayed on the show. The moving storyline will show how suddenly a diagnosis can impact every aspect of a person's life and how challenging it can truly be. We know that what Lola and her fictional family are going through on ''EastEnders'' is a daily reality for many people around the UK right now, and Macmillan is here to offer advice and support to anyone who needs it. Anyone watching with concerns about any potential signs or symptoms of cancer must also speak to their GP as soon as possible". In a separate interview at The ''Inside Soap'' Awards, Harold said: "There's so much pressure to make sure you get it right and keep it as true for the audience as you can. That's why we've been trying to make sure we keep it on point and all the research is used and it's been great. It's not just me. It's the whole family who go through it. It's really nice to see how everyone reacts and how everyone supports Lola. It's really difficult, the whole journey of the brain tumour and how hard it really is. I didn't realise just how devastating it really is until I got into my research and followed the story. We don't know where it's going to go yet and where it ends up so I'm not really looking too far down the line and I'm just taking it as it comes at the moment because it's quite tough, all these steps".
The storyline begins in late October 2022, when Lola collapses and suffers a seizure at the community centre during Lexi's dancing competition. As part of the storyline, it was decided that Lola and Jay would reconcile as a couple, as Jay would support Lola through her diagnosis and the aftermath. Lola is then taken to hospital, where she is diagnosed with a high grade glioblastoma multiforme
Glioblastoma, previously known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most aggressive and most common type of cancer that originates in the brain, and has a very poor prognosis for survival. Initial signs and symptoms of glioblastoma are nons ...
, an aggressive and fast-growing form of brain cancer. As part of her treatment, Lola is informed that she will require surgery in an attempt to remove the tumour, in addition to chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (often abbreviated chemo, sometimes CTX and CTx) is the type of cancer treatment that uses one or more anti-cancer drugs (list of chemotherapeutic agents, chemotherapeutic agents or alkylating agents) in a standard chemotherapy re ...
in the form of tablets. After undergoing brain surgery, Lola and her family are informed that the tumour was positioned in an intricate place within the brain, and that the cancer had advanced faster than the surgeons had anticipated. The storyline then looks at how Lola and her family cope with her terminal diagnosis. The plot then examines the complexities of Lola's relationships with her boyfriend Jay, daughter Lexi, grandfather Billy and his partner Honey, close friend Ben and his husband Callum Highway ( Tony Clay), and her close colleagues Denise Fox
Denise Fox (also Wicks and Johnson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Diane Parish. She made her first appearance on 11 May 2006 and temporarily left ''EastEnders'' in early 2008 to give birth to her se ...
(Diane Parish
Diane Carol Richards (born 6 November 1969), known professionally as Diane Parish, is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006.
A graduate of the Royal Academy of D ...
) and Kim Fox
Kim Fox (also Fox-Hubbard) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Tameka Empson. She is the half-sister of Denise Fox (Diane Parish), and aunt to Chelsea Fox, Chelsea (Tiana Benjamin/Zaraah Abrahams) and Libby ...
(Tameka Empson
Tameka Lydia Empson (born 15 April 1977) is an English actress and comedian. She appeared as one of the three protagonists in the hidden-camera comedy sketch show ''3 Non-Blondes''. In 2009, she began portraying the role of Kim Fox in the BBC O ...
), as they all come to terms with the prospect of losing Lola. As part of a Christmas storyline, it was announced that Jay would propose to Lola, with their wedding taking place in early 2023. After being rushed to hospital by Kim following an uncontrollable nosebleed, Lola arrives at the registry office and marries Jay on 26 January 2023.
Amidst Lola's brain tumour storyline, Clenshaw announced his intentions to expand on Lola's backstory in the months leading up to her death. A major part of this included the introduction of Lola's estranged mother, Emma Harding, which was officially announced in November 2022. It was later announced that former ''Emmerdale
''Emmerdale'' (known as ''Emmerdale Farm'' until 1989) is a British television soap opera that is broadcast on ITV (TV network), ITV. The show is set in Emmerdale (known as Beckindale until 1994), a List of fictional towns and villages, fict ...
'' actress Patsy Kensit
Patricia Jude Francis Kensit (born 4 March 1968) is an English actress and singer. Beginning her career as a child actor, Kensit gained attention when she acted in a string of commercials for Birds Eye frozen peas. She went on to appear in films ...
had been cast in the role of Emma. Clenshaw felt that Emma shared some similarities with Lola, including "a striking resemblance; successful, the capacity to hold her own ..and she's a fighter". He noted that Emma is also "softly spoken and measured", unlike Lola. Emma's introduction begins when Lola decides she wants to find out where she came from, and so Billy and Phil manage to locate Emma on Lola's wedding day to Jay. Lola's reunion with Emma is complicated, with Emma not initially revealing her true identity to Lola, and later threatening one of Lexi's bullies outside the school gates. Emma's backstory explains that she was the victim of domestic violence
Domestic violence is violence that occurs in a domestic setting, such as in a marriage
Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognised union between people called spouses. It establishes r ...
at the hands of Lola's father, Dan, and after Dan threw a kettle of boiling water over her and she spent months in hospital recovering with skin grafts
Skin is the layer of usually soft, flexible outer tissue covering the body of a vertebrate animal, with three main functions: protection, regulation, and sensation.
Other animal coverings, such as the arthropod exoskeleton, have different d ...
, she decided to leave Lola in Dan's care when Lola was three years old to save herself from his abuse. After three months on screen, Emma departs on 30 March 2023, after Lola is told that she only has six months to live and Emma decides that she cannot cope with losing Lola.
Lola's health continues to decline over the coming months, and she eventually decides to give up work at the salon. During her leaving party, Lola collapses and is unable to move the right side of her body. After being admitted to hospital, Lola and her family are told that she now only has weeks to live. Lola then begins contemplating assisted suicide
Assisted suicide, sometimes restricted to the context of physician-assisted suicide (PAS), is the process by which a person, with the help of others, takes actions to end their life.
Once it is determined that the person's situation qualifie ...
, and asks Billy to help her die when the time comes. He reluctantly agrees, however only if she tells Jay of her decision. It was then announced that Jay and Lola would feature in a two-hander episode broadcast on 18 May 2023, where Jay breaks Lola out of hospital for one final day out in Margate
Margate is a seaside resort, seaside town in the Thanet District of Kent, England. It is located on the north coast of Kent and covers an area of long, north-east of Canterbury and includes Cliftonville, Garlinge, Palm Bay, UK, Palm Bay and W ...
– Lola's childhood home. When discussing the scenes in Margate and her final scenes in the show, Harold said: "I didn't want to read my final script. We pick them up from the script desk if we are in work and my final ones were sat there for ages. Then I had them at home for a few days - it took me a good two weeks before I was able to read them. I made myself a cup of tea, sat down in my living room and thought, 'Right, just do it'. I got to the second page and was in absolute bits. It was the hardest thing to read but it's also the most beautiful episode of ''EastEnders'' I've ever read". Some fans noted that the day out in Margate shared similarities to the '' Waterloo Road'' storyline, in which Sambuca Kelly, played by Holly Kenny, who was dying from an inoperable brain tumour, was taken to Blackpool
Blackpool is a seaside town in Lancashire, England. It is located on the Irish Sea coast of the Fylde peninsula, approximately north of Liverpool and west of Preston, Lancashire, Preston. It is the main settlement in the Borough of Blackpool ...
for the day by her boyfriend Finn Sharkey (Jack McMullen
Jack Michael McMullen is an English actor and writer, best known for his roles in ''Brookside'' (2002-2003), ''Doctors'' (2006), ''Grange Hill'' (2004-2008), '' Waterloo Road'' (2010–2012), ''Common'' (2014), ''Together'' (2015), '' Maigret Se ...
), only for Sambuca to die in her sleep later that night. During the scenes in Margate, Borthwick displayed his personal talent for music, and performed the song "Wonderful Tonight
"Wonderful Tonight" is a ballad written by Eric Clapton. It was included on Clapton's 1977 album ''Slowhand''. Clapton wrote the song on his 1974 Martin D-28 guitar about Pattie Boyd. "the hard-rock pioneer and guitar god also become a soft-roc ...
" by Eric Clapton
Eric Patrick Clapton (born 1945) is an English Rock music, rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is regarded as one of the most successful and influential guitarists in rock music. Clapton ranked second in ''Rolling Stone''s l ...
playing the guitar, as Jay serenaded Lola on the beach.
Shortly after returning from Margate, Lola becomes bedridden at home, and she slowly loses the ability to speak. However, before being unable to communicate, Lola decides that she wishes to be baptised
Baptism (from ) is a Christians, Christian sacrament of initiation almost invariably with the use of water. It may be performed by aspersion, sprinkling or affusion, pouring water on the head, or by immersion baptism, immersing in water eit ...
by Reverend Irene Mills ( Melanie Kilburn), to ensure her pathway to heaven
Heaven, or the Heavens, is a common Religious cosmology, religious cosmological or supernatural place where beings such as deity, deities, angels, souls, saints, or Veneration of the dead, venerated ancestors are said to originate, be throne, ...
. Ben, unable to accept that Lola is now in her final days, decides to travel to America
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
in search of a clinical trial
Clinical trials are prospective biomedical or behavioral research studies on human subject research, human participants designed to answer specific questions about biomedical or behavioral interventions, including new treatments (such as novel v ...
, with the hope of Lola living to see Lexi's first days at secondary school. Lola eventually loses consciousness altogether, and begins suffering regular seizures as the locals visit to say their goodbyes. The BBC eventually announced that Lola's final episode would be broadcast on 31 May 2023, with ''EastEnders'' airing a special alternative opening sequence in which the aerial view of the East End of London is set during the night with city lights, as opposed to the usual daytime setting. After an episode where Billy and Honey share their fondest memories of Lola, and Phil compares her to his late mother Peggy Mitchell
Peggy Mitchell (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared in the episode broadcast on 30 April 1991, featuring in 10 episodes. Peggy was rein ...
(Barbara Windsor
Dame Barbara Windsor (born Barbara Ann Deeks; 6 August 193710 December 2020) was an English actress, known for her roles in the Carry On (franchise), ''Carry On'' films and for playing Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders''. ) due to their fiery personalities, Lola peacefully dies at dawn with Lexi and Jay at her bedside. After Jay compares Lola to a fox
Foxes are small-to-medium-sized omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull; upright, triangular ears; a pointed, slightly upturned snout; and a long, bushy tail ("brush").
Twelve species ...
because of her renowned mischievous and feisty character, a red fox
The red fox (''Vulpes vulpes'') is the largest of the true foxes and one of the most widely distributed members of the order Carnivora, being present across the entire Northern Hemisphere including most of North America, Europe and Asia, plus ...
is later seen running through Albert Square
Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location work i ...
as the sun rises, suggesting that Lola's spirit will live on, with the credits then rolling over Julia's Theme. Lola later appeared as a corpse at the funeral parlour when Jay and Billy visit her body, before her funeral is held on 27 June 2023, where Lexi plays personal footage of Lola during the service. Kensit made a brief cameo return as Emma for Lola's funeral. After watching a private video where Lola declares her love for Jay to Lexi, Jay breaks down in tears, with the credits then rolling over a cover of Alphaville's " Forever Young" by Becky Hill
Rebecca Claire Hill (born 14 February 1994) is an English singer and songwriter. She rose to fame after appearing on the first series of '' The Voice UK'', auditioning with John Legend's " Ordinary People". She joined Jessie J's team and rea ...
.
Storylines
2011–2015
When Billy Mitchell
William Lendrum Mitchell (December 29, 1879 – February 19, 1936) was a United States Army officer who had a major role in the creation of the United States Air Force.
Mitchell served in France during World War I and, by the conflict's end, ...
(Perry Fenwick
Perry Fenwick (born 29 May 1962) is an English actor. He is known for portraying the role of Billy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role which he has played since 1998.
Career
Television
Fenwick's first regular television rol ...
) and Julie Perkins (Cathy Murphy
Catherine McKevitt Murphy (born 7 August 1967) is a British actress. She is known for her television roles as Tilly Watkins in the BBC drama ''The House of Eliott'' (1991–1994), Cheryl Barker in the Channel 5 soap opera ''Family Affairs'' (2 ...
) decide to find the son that Julie put up for adoption as a baby, Dan Pearce, they discover he has died. However, they find that they have a granddaughter, Lola, who is in care. They visit Lola at the care home and witness a fight between Lola and another girl, believing Lola is the injured girl, but Lola turns out to be the perpetrator. She tells Billy and Julie that Dan hated them so Julie decides to leave. Billy hugs Lola before they go and Lola uses this as an excuse to steal his wallet.
The next day, she comes to Walford and returns Billy's wallet. She flirts with several locals, including Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick
Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor. He rose to prominence for his portrayal of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', in which he has starred since 2006. His role on ''EastEnders'' earned him a British Soap A ...
) and Fatboy ( Ricky Norwood). Fatboy allows her to clean cars for him but she takes one and crashes into it into Ian Beale
Ian Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Adam Woodyatt. He is one of four remaining original characters, the others being his mother, Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth), his long standing best friend an ...
's (Adam Woodyatt
Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role he has portrayed since the show's inception in 1985, making him one of the shows longest ...
) chip shop. Billy sees this and tells her to run and Fatboy takes the blame. Lola visits Billy again and meets other members of his family. Julie tells Heather Trott
Heather Trott (also Peterson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Cheryl Fergison. She made her first appearance on 26 June 2007. The character was introduced as a guest character, but later became a regu ...
(Cheryl Fergison
Cheryl El Jamouni (born 27 August 1965), known professionally as Cheryl Fergison, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Heather Trott in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role in which she starred in from 2007 until ...
) that she does not want Lola to live with them and Heather accidentally tells Lola. Julie feels that Lola is not their problem and Lola tells Julie that if Billy is forced to choose between them, she will win. Julie calls the police and has Lola returned to her care home, while Billy calls her "100% Mitchell". A week later, Julie finds Lola in the R&R nightclub and takes her home, after Julie apologises for reporting Lola to the police, and tries to get to know Lola properly.
Lola overhears Anthony Moon ( Matt Lapinskas) and his brother Tyler Moon (Tony Discipline) insulting Billy, and in revenge, burns their father Eddie's (David Essex
David Essex (born David Albert Cook; 23 July 1947) is an English singer-songwriter and actor. From 1973 to 1994, he attained 19 Top 40 singles in the UK (including two number ones) and 16 Top 40 albums. Internationally, Essex had the most suc ...
) stock. She gets a job at the café and admits to Liam Butcher (James Forde) that she started the fire. Lola starts stealing from the till at the café and short-changing the customers so Phil Mitchell
Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
(Steve McFadden
Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) sacks her. She asks Phil for her job back and offers her mobile phone in payment for the money she took but he takes the phone and refuses to give Lola her job back. She takes revenge by smashing up his garage and destroying a car, unaware that Jay is under the car, and is badly injured. She gets Julie and when the ambulance arrives, Julie takes the blame. She is released without charge, while Lola returns to the care home but is persuaded to come back and Julie leaves Walford.
Weeks later, Ian oversleeps and Lola tells him that she has been waiting outside the chip shop. Mandy Salter
Mandy Salter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Nicola Stapleton. Introduced on 12 March 1992 by executive producer Leonard Lewis, Mandy was portrayed as a teenage tearaway. She was featured in storylin ...
(Nicola Stapleton
Nicola Kathleen Stapleton (born 9 August 1974) is an English actress. She is best known for her roles in ''EastEnders'' as Mandy Salter and ''Emmerdale'' as Danielle Hutch. A graduate of the Sylvia Young Theatre School, Stapleton began her care ...
) tells Ian to fire her, which he does but Lola soon persuades Ian to give her job back, by promising not to tell anyone about Mandy staying. She takes a liking to Jay's friend, Duncan Willis (Steven France) but later vandalises Grace Olubunmi's ( Ellen Thomas) flowers. She decides to take up self-defence classes after Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald
Lorna Katie Fitzgerald (born 17 April 1996) is a British actress from Northampton. Her most notable role to date is that of Abi Branning in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders''. Since leaving ''EastEnders'' in January 2018, Fitzgerald has develop ...
) is mugged. Lola steals towels from the Booty beauty salon and tries to sell them but is caught by Roxy Mitchell
Roxy Mitchell (also Slater) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rita Simons.[Rita Simons
Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...]
), who threatens to call the police. However, Lola convinces Roxy that she has shown ingenuity, and gains a job at the salon.
Lola asks her second cousin-once-removed Ben Mitchell (Joshua Pascoe) how he knows he is gay if he is still a virgin. Subsequently, they kiss and Lola sleeps with Ben before confirming his sexuality; he is gay. Shortly after, Lola finds she is pregnant and tells Billy, who is angry. Lola refuses to name the father but tells Billy that she plans to keep the baby and wants him to bring it up with her. She later tells Ben that he is not the father. Billy takes Lola to see Pat Evans (Pam St Clement
Pamela Ann Clements (born 11 May 1942), known professionally as Pam St Clement, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Pat Butcher in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 12 June 1986 until 1 January 2012, with a guest ...
) about help, but Pat misunderstands and advises Lola to have an abortion, angering her. In December, Phil confronts Lola about a mystery file, thinking that she's been stalking him. Phil questions Lola, to the point where she steps backwards and falls down the steps to her basement flat. She is rushed to hospital and soon learns that she and the baby are fine. Lola receives a call to say Social Services want to visit, as there is a new social worker. Lola goes missing when the social worker, Harpreet (Danny Rahim) arrives, so Billy asks Abi to pretend to be Lola. Billy assumes Harpreet is there about the pregnancy, so tells Harpreet, who is impressed with Abi's speech about motherhood. However, Lola arrives as he is about to leave and tells him that she is Lola, so Harpreet says the trust has been lost and she may not be able to keep the child. After falling down the stairs, she realizes how much the baby means to her and later finds out the baby is a girl.
Lola begins working for Janine Butcher
Janine Butcher (also Evans, Malloy and Carter) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', introduced in 1989. The character is played by Rebecca Michael, Alexia Demetriou and Charlie Brooks respectively. Brooks initially d ...
(Charlie Brooks
Charlene Emma Brooks (born 3 May 1981) is an English actress, best known for her role of Janine Butcher in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Brooks has also performed in British television shows ''The Bill'', ''Wired'' and ''Bleak House'', ...
) as a cleaner and continues working at the chip shop, until Lucy Beale
Lucy Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. The character was played by Eva Brittin-Snell, Casey Anne Rothery, Melissa Suffield, and Hetti Bywater. Lucy was introduced in December 1993 as the daughter of Ian ( ...
( Hetti Bywater), sacks her. Lola takes revenge on Lucy by stealing chip fat from the shop and pouring it over cars at the car lot, making Lucy a suspect. When Lucy learns Lola is responsible, she calls the police and Lola is arrested. The next day, on her 16th birthday, she receives community service and a curfew, and has to wear an electronic ankle tag. Lola and Jay break into The Queen Victoria public house
A pub (short for public house) is in several countries a drinking establishment licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption Licensing laws of the United Kingdom#On-licence, on the premises. The term first appeared in England in the ...
and get locked in after hiding in the back room. There, Lola opens up to Jay saying she will be a bad mother. Lola gets home just in time for her curfew, then runs back out and shares an illicit kiss with Jay, who is actually still dating Abi. She angers Cora Cross
Cora Cross is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Ann Mitchell. Cora is the mother of Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner), Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks) and Ava Hartman ( Claire Perkins) and the grandmother of Lauren ( ...
(Ann Mitchell
Ann Mitchell (born 22 April 1939) is a British stage and television actress. She came to prominence in the 1980s when she starred as Dolly Rawlins in the crime series ''Widows'' as well as the sequels '' Widows 2'' and '' She's Out'', all writt ...
), after vandalising her stock at the charity shop and later prepares for Billy carrying the Olympic Torch
The Olympic flame is a Olympic symbols, symbol used in the Olympic movement. It is also a symbol of continuity between ancient and modern games. The Olympic flame is lit at Olympia, Greece, several months before the Olympic Games. This ceremony s ...
but realises she is in labour in McClunkeys, where Cora delivers Lola's baby daughter whom she names Lexi Billie Pearce, after her friend, Alexa Smith (Saffron Coomber
Saffron Marni Coomber (born 15 November 1994) is an English actress, best known for her role as Sapphire Fox in '' Tracy Beaker Returns'' from 2010 to 2012. She also portrayed Alexa Smith in ''EastEnders'' from 2012 to 2013. In 2023, she star ...
). Billy witnesses the birth after successfully carrying the torch. When it is revealed, that Jay helped to cover up Heather's murder, Lola is at first wary of him, although she eventually forgives him. However, Billy is unhappy about them spending time together especially when Jay is forced to hide when a social worker turns up. Lola appears heartbroken when Jay says they should stop seeing each other.
When Lola gets a new social worker, Trish Barnes (Tessa Churchard), she becomes increasingly agitated after Trish criticises her care of Lexi. She later bumps into Alexa and pretends to live a party lifestyle. Alexa and her gang spend time with Lola but when Alexa picks on Abi, Lola defends her and rejects her old friend. Lola later reveals she has a baby, named Lexi after Alexa, shocking her. Lola celebrates her tag being removed but is threatened by Alexa and her gang, who attack Abi and threaten Lexi, resulting in Lola punching Alexa. The police are informed and Lola is arrested while Trish takes Lexi into care. Lola begs Trish not to and asks Phil for help, telling him that he is Lexi's grandfather. Lexi is taken regardless and Trish tells her that Lexi could be away for up to eight weeks. Lola gets angry so Trish tells her she could lose Lexi for good if she does not control her temper. Phil tells Lola that he will get her back where she belongs. Lola is happy until she discovers that Phil wants custody but she eventually agrees to Phil's plan. Phil comes up with a plan for Lola to marry Ben and conspires with Billy, who is against the idea. Lola refuses to marry Ben and Phil plans to tell Ben the truth about Lexi, against Lola's wishes. Phil does not tell Ben but agrees to help Lola so asks Sharon Rickman (Letitia Dean
Letitia Jane Dean (born 14 November 1967) is an English actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Sharon Watts in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. An original cast member from 1985 to 1995, she reprised the role from 2001 to 2006, and ag ...
) to pretend to be his partner to help get Lexi. She refuses initially but agrees until she finds out that Lola does not know about the plan, angering Lola until Phil explains his reasons to her. Alexa drops the assault charge but Lola is devastated to learn that she will not get Lexi back. Lola worries that Phil's plan will fail after he tells Social Services that he and Sharon are no longer engaged, but Phil does become Lexi's kinship foster carer. Lola is devastated to learn that she will still only have three access visits a week, and Phil starts being controlling, calling Lexi "his" baby and not allowing Lola to provide for her. Phil also tells Lola who she can be friends with, disapproving of her friendship with Dexter Hartman
Dexter Hartman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Khali Best. His debut was on 7 January 2013. Dexter is the grandson of Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell) and son of her illegitimate daughter, Ava Hartman ( Clare P ...
(Khali Best). Phil decides to take Lexi on holiday so Lola seeks legal advice but agrees that Lexi can go. Lola makes a request in court to increase her access visits with Lexi, and Trish states that Lola has made good progress but Phil's lawyer tells the court that Lola is often late, brings age-inappropriate toys and is unable to handle Lexi's tears. The judge rules that Lexi will stay with Phil as kinship foster carer. Billy goes to speak to Phil, while Lola listens and hears Phil say that he will never give Lexi back voluntarily so Lola snatches Lexi and leaves. Phil, Billy and Sharon spend the rest of the day looking for her, eventually finding her at a playground. Lola goes home and Phil asks her to meet him later at his house. Trish is there and asks them if their relationship has broken down but Phil tells her that he is responsible for recent events and agrees to work with Lola to make the transition for Lexi to return to living with Lola as easy as possible. When Trish leaves, Phil allows Lola to look after Lexi, and starts giving her increased access. Phil is impressed when Lola acts calmly when Lexi is taken ill with suspected meningitis, though she is fine.
Lola notices that Sharon is acting strangely and finds her passed out when she should be with Lexi. When Sharon regains consciousness, she admits that she is addicted to painkillers and tells Lola that if she tells Phil, Lexi will go back into care. Phil also later catches Sharon unconscious and when she comes round, he confronts her and throws her out. Just before the final hearing to decide if Lexi should be returned to Lola, Phil learns that Lola knew about Sharon's drug addiction and calls her a bad mother before leaving the court building. However, Billy convinces him to do the right thing, and Lola is successful in getting Lexi back.
Lola develops feelings for Peter Beale ( Ben Hardy), but the feud between his family, the Beales, and her family, the Mitchells, make them anxious about being together. However, they eventually force Phil and Peter's father Ian to accept their relationship. Peter moves in with Lola, Lexi and Billy and pressures her to start a career in childcare when she loses her job at the local salon. Despite agreeing to do the course, Lola starts her own business doing the locals manicures and pedicures and loves it. She becomes closer to Jay and admits how Peter makes her feel that she is not good enough for him. After an argument with Peter, Lola turns to Jay for support and he tries to kiss her. Horrified, she goes to run off but as she steps out into the road she is accidentally run over by Ronnie Mitchell
Ronnie Mitchell (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Samantha Womack. She and her younger sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 200 ...
(Samantha Womack
Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
). She is immediately rushed to hospital, where she is told she has concussion
A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a head injury that temporarily affects brain functioning. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, difficulty with thinking and concentration, sleep disturbances, a brief ...
, but is discharged the following day.
Following the murder of Peter's twin sister Lucy (see Who Killed Lucy Beale?), Lola struggles to support him as he in turn is struggling to support Ian and the rest of his family. When Lucy's memory is tarnished in a ''Walford Gazette'' article, Lola approaches them and gives them an article of content of what she believes will paint Lucy in a much better light. However, her words are twisted and Peter believes that Lola did it just for the money. Peter ends his relationship with her, and moves home to Ian. After Lucy's funeral Peter moves back home with Lola and Lexi. Peter begins developing feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Lauren Branning
Lauren Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. The role was originally played by Madeline Duggan, who first appeared on 3 July 2006. Duggan played the role for four years until her exit on 23 June 2010. Three ...
(Jacqueline Jossa
Jacqueline Mary Osborne (''née'' Jossa) (born 29 October 1992) is an English actress. She is known for portraying Lauren Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. In 2019, Jossa won the nineteenth series of '' I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Ou ...
), despite her relationship with Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo
Mario Angelo Stavrou Constantinou (born 1 May 1987), professionally known as Matt Di Angelo, is a British actor and singer, best known for his role as Dean Wicks in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He also portrayed Sean Kennedy in the BBC d ...
). Peter ends his relationship with Lola after admitting he kissed Lauren. Although Lola wants to make the relationship work, Peter still declines and begins a relationship with Lauren after she dumps Dean. In September 2014, Ben (now played by Harry Reid
Harry Mason Reid Jr. (; December 2, 1939 – December 28, 2021) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a United States Senate, United States senator from Nevada from 1987 to 2017. He led the Senate Democratic Caucus from 2005 to 2 ...
) returns to the square for Phil's wedding to Sharon. Billy and Jay hide Lola after Phil wants Ben to meet Lexi and tell Phil that she is visiting an ill friend. A few weeks later, Lola returns to see Phil; however, she comes face to face with Ben.
While Lola is in the pub with Jay, Ben and Abi walk in and Lola is confused as to why Abi is being so cold. Ben walks over to Lola insisting she is a good mother and he doesn't want to take Lexi away. When helping Johnny Carter ( Sam Strike) at The Albert, Lola insists she has nothing to do with Abi and Jay's break up and begins making friends with her. Abi then tells her that she is in a relationship with Ben, causing Lola to be confused and worried, so Abi becomes defensive and think Lola is stealing Ben away. Jay invites Lola to The Queen Vic where Abi tells Lola that Jay only invited her to get back at her. After Jay reveals that Ben tried to kiss him, Lola walks out of The Queen Vic and Ben denies his accusations. Lola questions if Jay was using her to try to make Abi jealous, but Jay reveals to Lola that he still has feelings for her. When Jay tries to kiss Lola, she rejects him, telling him that she does not feel the same way about him. Lola is excited when her boss Dean asks her out to discuss her future at Blades hair salon and dresses nicely, but Dean's concerned mother, Shirley Carter
Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 7 December 2006, during episodes set in Dorset. This is Henry's second role in 'EastEnders', as she previously p ...
(Linda Henry
Linda Valiris (''née'' Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison drama series '' Bad Girls'' and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. She had previously ...
), sends her away, worrying about Dean's reputation.
Lola is frustrated when newcomer Paul Coker (Jonny Labey
Jonny Labey (born 15 January 1993) is a British actor, known for portraying the role of Paul Coker (EastEnders), Paul Coker on the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''.
Early life
Labey is from Grouville, Jersey. He attended Grouville School ...
) accidentally knocks her over in the street, but they become colleagues. Dean sacks Lola for being absent but Phil gives Shirley a large amount of money to secure Lola's job. Following Ben's arrest on suspicion of murdering Lucy, Jay is worried he will be arrested as well after he reveals that Ben mugged Lucy on the night of her death. Lola comforts and reassures him and then they kiss, leading to sex. They then start a relationship. Jay tells Lola he wants to leave because Phil has given the police Lucy's incriminating purse and phone with fingerprints on it. She is upset but Jay suggests she goes with him, which she does, taking Lexi with them. Jay calls Billy and reveals that he, Lola and Lexi are moving to Newcastle with Dexter. She returns briefly with Jay to collect more belongings, but Billy tries to convince her to stay and let Jay go to Newcastle alone, but Lola refuses. Billy tells Lola he is going to collect his daughter Janet Mitchell (Grace) so that they can all share their goodbyes, but Billy reports Jay to the police and he is arrested for robbery. Lola realises that Billy reported Jay moments after Jay's arrest, so Lola leaves for the train station with Lexi. Billy attempts to convince Lola to stay in Walford, but she says she could have a better life somewhere else and that she wants him to be proud of her. Billy and Lola share an emotional farewell and Lola leaves for Newcastle, taking Lexi with her. Although Jay plans to join her eventually, Lola later ends the relationship because she is now dating Dexter.
2019–2023
Lola returns to Walford in April 2019 along with Lexi and Ben. When the Mitchells have a celebratory drink in The Queen Vic, Jay and Lola have conversation in which Lola reveals she and Dexter are no longer together. It is revealed that Lola and Ben are only back to con Phil, and Ben promises to give both Lola and Lexi some of the money. Lola reunites with Jay and they almost start dating again; however, it is revealed that Lola is engaged to Ewan
Ewan is a Scottish name with multiple sources. It is usually an anglicisation of the Scottish Gaelic name Eòghann "noble born" and therefore derived ultimately from Latin ''Eugenius''. A Pictish name, ''Uuen'' (or ''Wen'') meaning "(the) warrior ...
(Riley Jones). Jay rejects Lola and she decides to move back to Newcastle with Ewan, but Ben manipulates the situation and Ewan leaves Walford. Lola tries to get Billy back with Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton
Emma Louise Barton (born 26 July 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her role as Honey Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', which she has portrayed since November 2005. Before her role in ''EastEnders'', Barton appeared in ...
) and schemes to break up Honey and her boyfriend Adam Bateman ( Stephen Rahman-Hughes), although she is unsuccessful. She starts working as an events manager with Jay's girlfriend Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton
Louisa Claire Lytton (born 7 February 1989) is an English actress, best known for portraying the role of Ruby Allen in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Beth Green in the ITV police procedural series ''The Bill'' (2007–2009). She also ...
); however, they eventually clash. Lola becomes aware of Ben's scheming and warns him to end them, otherwise she will leave with Lexi. After Ben's plans to swindle Phil are exposed, Lola decides to remain in Walford and starts working as a hairdresser for Denise Fox
Denise Fox (also Wicks and Johnson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Diane Parish. She made her first appearance on 11 May 2006 and temporarily left ''EastEnders'' in early 2008 to give birth to her se ...
(Diane Parish
Diane Carol Richards (born 6 November 1969), known professionally as Diane Parish, is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006.
A graduate of the Royal Academy of D ...
). During The Queen Vic siege where Hunter Owen (Charlie Winter) takes the residents hostage, Lola and Jay are locked in the bathroom together where they admit their feelings for each other and reconcile.
Lola is shocked when she falls pregnant with Jay's baby in March 2020. Jay is stunned when she insists for an abortion, proclaiming that it is too soon for them to have their first child together. Their relationship hits the rocks when Jay proposes to Lola and she assumes he is only proposing to convince her to keep the baby. After a bitter row, Lola secretly has sex with Peter (now Dayle Hudson), who has recently returned from New Zealand. She goes to her abortion appointment alone and is surprised afterwards by Jay, who tells her that he only wants her to be happy, which prompts them to reconcile. However, Jay notices tension between a flirtatious Peter and anxious Lola at Stuart
Stuart may refer to:
People
*Stuart (name), a given name and surname (and list of people with the name)
* Clan Stuart of Bute, a Scottish clan
*House of Stuart, a royal house of Scotland and England
Places Australia Generally
*Stuart Highway, ...
(Ricky Champ
Ricky Champ (born 1 July 1980) is an English actor. He is known for his roles as Paul Parker in the BBC Three sitcom '' Him & Her'', and Stuart Highway in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Champ has also appeared in '' Crims'', ''Plebs'', and ...
) and Rainie Highway's (Tanya Franks
Tanya Christine Franks (born 16 August 1967) is an English actress. She is best known for her role as Rainie Cross in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders''.
Career 1986–2006
Franks worked for 14 years in theatre both in the UK and abroad. Her ...
) wedding. During a confrontation, Lola confesses to her one-night stand
A one-night stand is a single sexual encounter in which there is no expectation that there shall be any further relations between the sexual participants. It draws its name from the common practice of a one-night stand, a single night performanc ...
with Peter, resulting in Jay ending the relationship. Lola is later furious to learn that Jay and Honey have begun a relationship and forces them to tell Billy; he, however, refuses to speak to Lola after learning that she already knew about the relationship. Lola is set up on a date with Isaac Baptiste (Stevie Basaula) by Kim Fox
Kim Fox (also Fox-Hubbard) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Tameka Empson. She is the half-sister of Denise Fox (Diane Parish), and aunt to Chelsea Fox, Chelsea (Tiana Benjamin/Zaraah Abrahams) and Libby ...
(Tameka Empson
Tameka Lydia Empson (born 15 April 1977) is an English actress and comedian. She appeared as one of the three protagonists in the hidden-camera comedy sketch show ''3 Non-Blondes''. In 2009, she began portraying the role of Kim Fox in the BBC O ...
), which is met with opposition from his mother, Sheree Trueman ( Suzette Llewellyn). Initially believing Sheree's hostility is because she does not think she is good enough for her son, Lola is later stunned when Isaac reveals that the real reason is because he has schizophrenia
Schizophrenia () is a mental disorder characterized variously by hallucinations (typically, Auditory hallucination#Schizophrenia, hearing voices), delusions, thought disorder, disorganized thinking and behavior, and Reduced affect display, f ...
. Lola is accepting of this, and supports Isaac. However, he later leaves the Square and Lola is angry when she discovers that he is dating someone else only days later.
After being attacked during a siege at Peggy's wine bar in September 2022, Lola and Jay reignite their relationship after Honey dumps Jay. In October, after experiencing headaches and dizziness, Lola suffers a seizure at the community centre during Lexi's dancing competition. She is taken to hospital where she is diagnosed with a highly aggressive Brain tumor
A brain tumor (sometimes referred to as brain cancer) occurs when a group of cells within the Human brain, brain turn cancerous and grow out of control, creating a mass. There are two main types of tumors: malignant (cancerous) tumors and benign ...
, which is later confirmed to be terminal. Following surgery, Lola is told that a portion of the tumour is inoperable due to its location within the brain. At Christmas, Jay proposes to Lola but she initially refuses as she is concerned that Jay would not be able to take care of her, but both later agree to get married. In January 2023, Lola decides that she wants to reconcile with her mother before she dies, but dismisses the idea shortly afterwards. After having a brief health scare before her wedding, Lola is taken to the hospital by Kim but arrives at the registry office in time to marry Jay. Billy tracks down Lola's mother, Emma Harding (Patsy Kensit
Patricia Jude Francis Kensit (born 4 March 1968) is an English actress and singer. Beginning her career as a child actor, Kensit gained attention when she acted in a string of commercials for Birds Eye frozen peas. She went on to appear in films ...
), in an attempt for her to attend Lola's wedding, and although she initially rules out playing a role in Lola's life, she starts to meet with Lola at the salon under the pseudonym Nicole. Following several visits to the salon, as well as posting a large sum of money through her letterbox, Lola realises that Nicole is actually Emma, her mother. After a tense confrontation, Lola forgives Emma for the past and they reconcile.
Lola is informed that she has six months to live. This prompts Emma to leave in grief and claims that she is being offered a job in America. Lola continues to work at the salon but as her condition worsens, she decides to quit. Lola then collapses following her leaving party at the salon, where later she is told that the cancer is advancing rapidly and she now has weeks to live. Lola asks Billy to assist in her suicide. Whilst Billy initially refuses, he later agrees to help her, although order Lola to tell Jay first. After Lola has a dream about being back in Margate
Margate is a seaside resort, seaside town in the Thanet District of Kent, England. It is located on the north coast of Kent and covers an area of long, north-east of Canterbury and includes Cliftonville, Garlinge, Palm Bay, UK, Palm Bay and W ...
, her childhood home, she pleads to Jay to take her there one last time. Jay breaks Lola out of hospital and they travel to Margate where they both reminisce about the past. Lola informs Jay about her plans to die on her own terms, but Jay objects and they argue. After hearing Lola's pleas, Jay accepts her decision, but tells her that he wishes to help her instead of Billy. After realising that she would be setting a bad example for Lexi, Lola decides to die naturally. In her final days, Lola's condition worsens after suffering seizures and losing consciousness and the ability to speak. Ben flies out to America
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
to find a preliminary drug trial to help prolong Lola's life. Billy is arrested for vandalising the Minute Mart after Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry
Navin Chowdhry (born 22nd November 1971 ) is an English actor. He is best known for his roles in ''Teachers'' and '' A Touch of Cloth'', and his role as Nish Panesar in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (2022–2025).
Early life
Chowdhry is o ...
) teases him over Lola's declining health; however, he is later released after Nish drops the charges. Lola's family and friends say their goodbyes, and Lola dies peacefully at dawn with Jay and Lexi at her bedside.
Following her death, Jay and Ben open Lola's memory box for Lexi, which Lola made before she died. Jay, Ben and Lexi watch a video from a tablet where Lola says one last goodbye to Lexi. Billy and Jay also visit Lola's body at the chapel of rest. At her funeral, she appears in a video created by Lexi which is shown to the mourners. After the funeral, Lexi gives Jay a USB stick, containing a video of Lola talking to Lexi about how special Jay is to her and how he is the love of her life. Jay breaks down as the video ends.
Lola would later appear through other videos she recorded before her death, including a message for Lexi on her first day at secondary school in September 2023 and then a couple of Christmas messages in December 2023. It later transpires that a devastated Ben committed credit card fraud in the United States to try and save Lola's life and he is later arrested, extradited, and sentenced to six years in prison.
Reception
Harold's debut episode was watched by 7.68 million viewers. Harold said that because of her performance as Lola she had received letters from children who had grown up in care homes, saying how much they love her character. Kate Woodward of ''Inside Soap'' said Lola's introduction had been a revelation. Woodward also commented on Harold's performance saying "In actress Danielle Harold, ''EastEnders'' have found a young star with enormous charisma, so you like Lola even though she's a nightmare! In the coming weeks, we'll see her really hold her own with the other Mitchells – which is no mean feat when you consider that most of them have been in this show for years." Woodward's colleague, Sarah, said she liked what she saw, after Lola's debut and described the character saying "She's got a surly attitude, and acts like she's tough as old boots. But something tells me that underneath that hard exterior is a lost little girl just waiting for someone to finally take her into the heart of their family."
Tony Stewart, writing for the ''Daily Mirror
The ''Daily Mirror'' is a British national daily Tabloid journalism, tabloid newspaper. Founded in 1903, it is part of Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), which is owned by parent company Reach plc. From 1985 to 1987, and from 1997 to 2002, the tit ...
'', described Lola as "a walking 15-year-old Asbo", he added "in little less than a month on the Square, the spirited Lola has already created havoc. ..With Danielle Harold already tipped as a best newcomer in the next round of soap awards, stroppy Lola is either brave or stupid in taking on Phil." ''Metro'''s Christopher Hooton commented negatively on Harold's performance as Lola saying "Lola kept her world record attempt for worst acting in a soap going strong". Hooton's fellow writer, Rachel Tarley, said Harold's acting skills were "terrible" when Julie departed. During the love triangle storyline, Tarley said Lola was an "inept teenage seductresses." Co-star Perry Fenwick said that Harold is an "amazing" actress. A writer for ''Bang Showbiz'' branded Lola a "blonde babe".
Response to social worker storyline
The scenes where Trish Barnes takes Lexi from Lola were criticised by the charity The Who Cares? Trust on Twitter, who called the storyline an "unhelpful portrayal" and said it had already received calls from members of the public who were "distressed about the ''EastEnders'' scene where a social worker snatches a baby from its mother's arms". The scenes were also condemned by the British Association of Social Workers
The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is the largest professional association of registered social workers in the United Kingdom. The association has a members' code of ethics that outlines best social work practice and works to support ...
(BASW), calling the BBC "too lazy and arrogant" to correctly portray the child protection process, and saying that the baby was taken "without sufficient grounds to do so". Bridget Robb, acting chief of the BASW, said the storyline provoked "real anger among a profession well used to a less than accurate public and media perception of their jobs". She stated: Another social worker said "Accurate procedures were not followed hen a character's baby was taken away Was it police protection, section 20? Where was the immediate risk to the baby? As a social worker, I was in tears, as was a colleague of mine, watching how our profession was portrayed on television." The BBC responded to BASW by saying:
A social worker who received the BBC's statement commented:
In November 2012, Irish politician Robert Troy expressed concerns that the storyline could influence the result of an upcoming referendum on children's rights. Troy said, "Quite a few times I have been asked about a storyline on ''EastEnders'' where a young mother has had her child taken into care and has faced a very difficult battle to get access to the child. People have been emotionally affected by the story and have a real concern about the sort of heavy-handed state intervention that's portrayed."
Kate White from ''Inside Soap
''Inside Soap'' is a weekly soap opera and television listings magazine published in the United Kingdom. The magazine is currently released every Tuesday. It covers storylines featured in British and Australian soap operas that are broadcast in t ...
'' praised the storyline, saying, "Here you are teasing us all with endless mystery secrets and secret mysteries, yet the best storyline you have is hiding nothing at all! The simple tail of a young mum's love for her baby is heart-breaking and dramatic. All credit to actress Danielle Harold for being so brilliant as Lola. ..Keep on keeping it simple."
Response to brain tumour storyline
Although the decision to kill Lola off was initially met with immense criticism, the brain tumour storyline, the performances from Harold, Borthwick and Fenwick, and the handling of Lola's death received critical acclaim from fans and media critics alike. At the 2023 British Soap Awards in June 2023, "Loving and Losing Lola" received a nomination for Best Storyline, while Harold was also nominated for Best Dramatic Performance; however, she lost out to Charlotte Jordan, who portrays Daisy Midgeley in ''Coronation Street
''Coronation Street'' (colloquially referred to as ''Corrie'') is a British television soap opera created by ITV Granada, Granada Television and shown on ITV (TV network), ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced ...
'', who had been starring at the centre of a controversial acid attack
An acid attack, also called acid throwing, vitriol attack, or vitriolage, is a form of violent assault involving the act of throwing acid or a similarly corrosive substance onto the body of another "with the intention to disfigure, maim, tortu ...
storyline. Both Harold and Borthwick were also nominated for the Best Leading Performer
The British Soap Award for Best Leading Performer is an award presented annually by The British Soap Awards. The award was introduced to the ceremony in 2022, succeeding the categories for British Soap Award for Best Actress, Best Actress and B ...
award, which Harold eventually won for her portrayal of Lola throughout the brain tumour storyline. During her acceptance speech, Harold made the statement:
"This ward
Ward may refer to:
Division or unit
* Hospital ward, a hospital division, floor, or room set aside for a particular class or group of patients, for example the psychiatric ward
* Prison ward, a division of a penal institution such as a pris ...
isn't for me. This is definitely for every single person who has worked with me along the way; that has been directly affected by brain tumours; people that are suffering from brain tumours. Their time has been so precious to them, and even more to me, and I can't thank all of you enough for helping me and giving me your time. Kylie, thank you so much. And I just want to say thank you to the best cast to ever be able to work with - I love you all so much, and I can't thank you all enough. And thank you for trusting me to do this storyline. I literally don't know what to say, but I just want to say thank you to all the charities as well. Brain Tumour Research – you deserve this. Thank you so much."
''EastEnders'' triumphed at the awards ceremony by winning the award for Best British Soap, with many critics attributing Lola's brain tumour storyline to the show's resurgence and success. In May 2023, Harold was nominated for Serial Drama Performance at the 28th National Television Awards
The 28th National Television Awards were held on 5 September 2023 at the O2 Arena, London. They were hosted by Joel Dommett. The longlist nominations were released on 23 May 2023 and the shortlist was announced on 15 August 2023.
Performances ...
, and later won the award at the annual ceremony in September 2023. In July 2023, Harold received a nomination for Best Actress at the 2023 ''Inside Soap'' Awards, with Borthwick also being nominated for Best Actor and "Loving and Losing Lola" being nominated for Best Storyline.
References
External links
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Pearce, Lola
EastEnders characters
Television characters introduced in 2011
Fictional beauticians
Fictional characters with cancer
Fictional hairdressers
Teenage characters in soap operas
Fictional characters involved in incest
Fictional teenage parents
British female characters in soap operas
English female characters in television
Fictional criminals in soap operas
Television shows about teenage pregnancy
Mitchell family (EastEnders)
Fictional hostages and kidnapped people