Viewers of BBC soap opera EastEnders were left reaching for a box of tissues after Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) was laid to rest on Tuesday, June 27. The character, who has appeared on the show since 2011, passed away last month after a long battle with brain cancer - read more about that here.
The funeral episode saw Albert Square residents come together to commemorate Lola’s life. Prior to her death Lola insisted that she didn’t want anyone to be sad when they said goodbye to her and that people should wear something colourful.
During her funeral Lola’s husband Jay (Jamie Borthwick), daughter Lexi (Isabella Brown) and grandad Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) gave speeches to honour her. In a break from tradition EastEnders ended with the song Forever Young used in place of the show’s theme tune. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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“Beautifully done. The perfect send-off for Lola. Yet again, #EastEnders DELIVERS,” one person wrote on social media following the episode. A second added: “My eyes are not dry again.”
A third wrote: “in tears from tonight’s episode of #EastEnders.” A fourth commented: “#EastEnders well played to everyone involved. Absolutly heart wrenching.”
A further person commented: “Ffs Eastenders I’d just got myself composed now I’m bawling again #EastEnders.” In recent weeks EastEnders hasn’t been short of shocking moments with the return of both Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and Peter Beale (Thomas Law).
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw has been praised for his handling of the show, which has been on our screens since 1985. EastEnders is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
