EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw has hinted that Jay Brown will develop a “friendship” with another character as he grieves for his tragic wife.
Viewers have been left in tears in scenes showing Lola Pearce (Dannielle Harold) slowly deteriorate after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The young mum’s death will air in moving scenes this Wednesday, and while the aftermath will see her family initially support each other through the pain, it seems it won’t last forever.
Chris said: “They all pull together and are there for each other in the immediate future, but that won’t last forever.”
He also dropped a massive hint that Jay ( Jamie Borthwick ) will find comfort in the arms of another character.
“Jay will find friendship with another key person,” he said.
But that’s not the only big change triggered by the tragic hairdresser’s passing.
He added: “I don’t think any of them will be the same again. 'Billy (Perry Fenwick), Jay, Lexi (Isabella Brown), Honey ( Emma Barton ), it’ll obviously have devastating consequences for the family.
“Lola has been in this position where she’s become aware of what’s ahead, so she’s given some certain requests to the family. She’s asked Jay to make sure that he always talks to Lexi about her, she’s put things in place for the immediate future. But that may not last forever.
“It’ll be a difficult process and obviously it’s a sad ending for Lola, she won’t be there for the rest of her family.”
The character was told her condition was terminal last year, but as her treatment stopped working recently she learned the devastating news she had just months to live.
This soon became weeks in tragic scenes, as doctors informed Lola there was nothing more they could do for her.
Lola was taken home from the hospital as she wanted to spend her last days at home with her family, including daughter Lexi.
Next week, Lola begins to suffer seizures, and the nurse breaks the news to Jay that his wife doesn't have long left, and is near the end.
As the week continues, Jay stays with Lola who is now unresponsive - as the nurse arrives and explains there will now be long periods of unconsciousness and it's time for everyone to say goodbye.
By the end of the week, Lola has tragically passed away leaving Walford in mourning and in shock.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
