EastEnders’ Lola Pearce has received a heartbreaking brain tumour diagnosis, during which it was confirmed she has a glioblastoma multiforme in Wednesday evening’s episode.
Earlier this month, the BBC One soap opera announced it was working with two leading cancer charities to ensure Lola’s storyline is portrayed as sensitively and realistically as possible.
After suffering a seizure, viewers saw Lola, the outgoing beautician played by Danielle Harold, in a hospital bed during Wednesday’s episode as she awaited an update on her health with partner Jay Brown by her side.
A sentence no one wants to say to the people they love. #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/QTIvSAIehV
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) October 26, 2022
During an emotional scene, Lola was told by a doctor: “The MRI confirms what we already thought, that you have a glioblastoma multiforme, which is a fast growing and spreading tumour.”
Harold, 30, has played Lola, the granddaughter of Billy Mitchell, since 2011 and has previously been at the centre of hard-hitting storylines including a teenage pregnancy.
After being told that she will need to undergo an operation in order to remove the tumour, Lola asked: “So once you’ve cut it out it’ll all be gone?”
To which the doctor replied: “Not necessarily,” before going on to explain the serious nature of the “very aggressive” form of cancer Lola has been diagnosed with.
A visibly distressed Lola said: “Yes necessarily. I’ve got a daughter, a job, a family, I haven’t got time for cancer.”
In order to tackle the difficult storyline as accurately as possible, EastEnders is working with Brain Tumour Research and Macmillan Cancer Support.
According to research carried out by Brain Tumour Research, brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.
Later in the episode, viewers were given an insight into the aftermath of such a devastating diagnosis, with Lola initially telling Jay that she doesn’t want anyone else, including her grandfather Billy, to know about her diagnosis.
“Jay, I’ll tell them when I want, when I’m ready,” she said.
“You know what Pops is like, as soon as I mention the c word he’s going to lose his mind. Start treating me different and wrapping me in cotton wool.”
However, after losing her balance during a walk through Walford with Jay, a terrified Lola admits: “I’m going to have to tell everyone aren’t I?”
In an emotional exchange with Billy, Honey and Ben Mitchell, Lola shared the news of her brain tumour.
She said: “I wasn’t completely honest with you guys about what happened at the hospital. They did find something on my scan… A tumour… I’ve got a brain tumour.”
In attempt to reassure her emotional grandfather, an uncertain looking Lola added: “Billy, please don’t panic, that’s why I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want you to worry did I? I’m going to be fine.
“I’m going to go into hospital tonight, they’ll remove the tumour next week and then a bit of chemo if it’s not all gone.”
Lola’s first priority is Lexi. Always. #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/KfWz2Pp6uj
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) October 26, 2022
She later requested that the news is kept between her close family members until she feels ready for other people to know.
Ben asked Lola what she plans to tell their daughter Lexi, to which Lola replied: “Ben, I don’t know.”
Unbeknownst to the family, a scared looking Lexi has overheard the conversation.
Lola’s future remains uncertain given that the average prognosis for glioblastoma is very short, with many patients given a little as 12 to 18 months to live.
Treatment options for the cancer are very limited and there is currently no cure. According to Brain Tumour Research, only 25% of patients diagnosed with the cancer survive for longer than a year.
EastEnders continues on BBC One.