{"id":25401,"date":"2022-11-09T11:09:33","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T10:09:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1734681"},"modified":"2022-11-09T11:47:09","modified_gmt":"2022-11-09T10:47:09","slug":"eastenders-boss-chris-clenshaw-reveals-why-lola-pearce-has-to-die","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/eastenders-boss-chris-clenshaw-reveals-why-lola-pearce-has-to-die\/","title":{"rendered":"EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw reveals why Lola Pearce has to die"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Laura Denby\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 09 November 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

EastEnders\u2019 executive producer Chris Clenshaw has revealed why Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) was chosen to be killed off, just weeks after the beloved mainstay was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lola\u2019s story is already breaking fans\u2019 hearts, as she was given the tragic news that the operation to treat her cancer was unsuccessful<\/a>. As Lola is supported by boyfriend Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick), the stars have been praised for their powerful performances.<\/p>\n

But, with many wondering why the BBC soap gave this devastating story to Lola, Clenshaw spoke to Inside Soap<\/a>, where he explained the motivation behind the twist.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s such an important issue to tell, and Danielle is doing a phenomenal job,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you play big stories it has to be with characters you love. Lola is a much-loved character \u2013 she has grown up in Walford and is very close to the audience\u2019s heart, which is why her story matters so much. We wouldn\u2019t do this story with [just] anyone, but it is an important story that needs to be told.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Danielle Harold as Lola Pearce in EastEnders.<\/span><\/figcaption> BBC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Indeed, Lola is so popular that her fate has had the nation weeping. And, asked whether it was difficult to consider losing her, Clenshaw replied: \u201cOf course, that is the nature of soap. It\u2019s always tough and we don\u2019t like to say goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ahead of her illness, EastEnders<\/a> delivered a touching reunion for on\/off couple Lola and Jay. And the producer explained that he would always have found a way to bring them back together.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted Lola and Jay back together, especially for this story. Although I probably would have found a way to reunite them, as I think they\u2019re meant to be together.<\/p>

\u201cCertainly for this story, as it\u2019s an emotional one. And there\u2019s a love story at the heart of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking previously about her storyline, actress Harold said: \u201cIt means so much to be trusted with a storyline like this \u2013 one that\u2019s close to many people\u2019s hearts.<\/p>\n

\u201cSadly many of our viewers will be able to relate to Lola\u2019s story and it\u2019s been heartbreaking to speak to the families affected by brain tumours and hear their stories.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve been so amazing in sharing their experiences with me, and I\u2019m so lucky to have them. I wouldn\u2019t be able to do this storyline without their support.\u201d<\/p>\n

EastEnders is working closely with\u00a0Brain Tumour Research<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Macmillan Cancer Support<\/a>\u00a0on Lola\u2019s storyline, and you can find help and support by visiting the above websites.<\/em><\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n