EastEnders star Danielle Harold has given tribute to the young actress who portrays her onscreen daughter, ahead of Harold’s exit from the soap.
Harold, 30, is set to leave EastEnders following her character Lola Pearce’s terminal brain tumour diagnosis storyline.
The soap star posted a photo of herself filming one of her last few scenes with actress Isabella Brown, who plays her daughter Lexi, and Max Bowden, who portrays Lexi’s father Ben Mitchell, as they sported wedding attire.
In the snap, Harold was seen wearing a white veil while Bowden, 28, appeared in a grey suit. The pair were seen each planting a kiss on Brown’s cheek as she flashed a smile.
Harold praised her young co-star, writing beside the photo on Instagram: “I couldn’t of asked for a better mini me, this little one makes me so proud everyday.”
The touching tribute comes after fans were left in tears over Harold and Brown’s performances on the soap back in December, after Lola started losing her hair.
Diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme last year, Lola underwent radiotherapy sessions and surgery before discovering her terminal diagnosis.
In a heart-breaking scene, Lexi began brushing her mother’s hair before stopping after some fell out and began comforting an emotional Lola.
Fans hailed Harold and Brown as “incredible” actors on social media following the sensitive scene.
Harold was praised again earlier this month, along with onscreen mother Patsy Kensit, for their performance on EastEnders after their characters were reunited.
Kensit, who portrays newcomer Emma Harding, had been sending money to Lola through the letterbox after learning of her money troubles, leaving Lola thinking she had a stalker.
Kensit, 54, commented on Harold’s tribute post to her onscreen daughter this week, writing in the comment section: “Love you both.”
Last month, Harold spoke on the prospect of saying goodbye to her EastEnders character after 14 years.
Appearing on Lorraine, Harold admitted that the role “becomes a little part of you”, and added that she will “be so sad” come her time to exit the soap.
Harold first appeared as Lola on EastEnders in 2011 and departed the role in 2015, before returning as the character in 2019.
