EastEnders aired a heartbreaking two-hander episode on Thursday as Jay Brown took Lola Pearce to the beach after learning from the doctors that she only has weeks to live.
It comes after Lola received the news that her palliative chemotherapy treatment hasn't had the desired effect.
In the special episode, which began and ended with a dream-like sequence of Lola (Danielle Hardwick) on the beach, Lola's dream became a reality when her husband took her on a day trip to Margate.
She used the trip away as a chance to have a heart-to-heart with Jay ( Jamie Borthwick ) about her wish to die on her own terms with the help of Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).
Jay was horrified by his wife's request but eventually came around and understood why it was important for Lola for her to die with dignity, he insisted he should be the one to help her end her life if that's what she wants.
During the trip, Jay covered for Lola when she was caught stealing an expensive necklace for Lexi.
Although Jay was subsequently released without charge, Lola realised she couldn't allow her husband to risk getting into trouble with the law by helping her die when Lexi needs him more than ever.
The episode ended with a sweet nod to when Lola initially found out she had terminal cancer as Jay told his wife they were in this together "every step".
EastEnders fans were left in tears by the emotional scenes and hit out at the BBC soap for killing off Lola.
One tweeted: "Utterly heartbreaking watching @bbceastenders makes me cry seeing how happy they are together. I've never wanted someone to not die so much!! #Eastenders," and another said: "#eastenders why do that to one of my fave characters."
"This Lola storyline honestly is the saddest thing ever, why they doing this to me #Eastenders," a third questioned and another added: "Omg #eastenders tonight is soul destroying why are they doing this to Lola."
Others praised the soap stars as a fan remarked: "Two of the best acting performances I've ever seen what a single episode Jay and Lola #EastEnders," and another commented: "#EastEnders is extremely tough viewing at the moment. Amazing and powerful performances from all involved in Lola's story."
