Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) made a heartbreaking promise to dying granddaughter Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) in Wednesday’s emotional episode of EastEnders.
Lola is weeks away from losing her battle with brain cancer after being given just six months to live in March.
Lola woke up in hospital surrounded by her loving family after BBC viewers saw her health deteriorate in the previous episode.
She later asked Billy to help her go to the toilet, where she privately reminded Billy that when he found her in such a fragile condition in the square, he had promised not to let her life end like that.
Lola further asked Billy to help her die on her own terms – which is illegal in the UK – to protect Lexi from her mother’s deterioration.
Hard: Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) made dying granddaughter Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) a heartbreaking promise in Wednesday’s emotional episode of EastEnders
Promise: Lola asked Billy to help her go to the toilet, where she privately reminded Billy that when he found her in such a fragile condition in the square, he had promised not to let her life end like this
At first he refused to agree to Lola’s wishes, and she replied that she would have to do that herself instead.
At the end of the heartbreaking episode, Billy had a change of heart and told Lola that if dying on her own terms was what she needed, he would help her as long as she told Jay the truth.
Fans were moved to tears by the storyline, with one penning: ‘You’re breaking my hearing, poor Lola and Billy’
Another said: ‘Poor Billy has agreed and told Lola if she wants an assisted death he will help her’
A third wrote: “So that’s Lola in a few weeks… I think it was obvious she was nearing the end, but the confirmation is no less devastating.”
It comes after EastEnders fans were devastated following Tuesday night’s episode when they saw Lola Pearce’s health deteriorate.
During the episode, Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) hosted a going-away party for Lola at the saloon, but the excitement became too much for Lola and she snuck out.
Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) went looking for his granddaughter, whom he found confused on the floor outside the gym.
Lola burst into tears as she begged her grandfather to help her keep Lexi from watching her deteriorate.
When the family got home, Lola panicked when she couldn’t move her arm, while Lexi watched her mother collapse.
BBC viewers were heartbroken by the final scenes, with one penning on Twitter: ‘Don’t mind me gazing at Lola’
Another wrote: ‘Lola is losing her memory and her health is failing, it breaks my heart so much’
One said: ‘I feel like EastEnders is doing the Lola storyline so well. However, it’s incredibly hard to watch sometimes’
Another added: “I actually find it so hard to look at Lola. It’s too sad’
One fan worried, “Oh dear, is Billy going to help Lola end her life?”
Terminally ill Lola (Danielle Harold) was given six months to live in March amid her brain tumor battle and now her demise is slated for future scenes.
A funeral procession, with the hearse and flowers spelling Lola’s name, was seen arriving on the set of the BBC One soap last week.
On the side was a white box with a number of special messages from Walford icons, including Kat Slater.
Emotional: Lola further asked Billy to help her die on her own terms to protect Lexi from seeing her mother’s decline
Family: Lola woke up in hospital surrounded by her loving family after BBC viewers watched her health deteriorate in the previous episode
Fans were moved to tears by the storyline, with one penning: ‘You’re breaking my hearing, poor Lola and Billy’
A message written by Bobby Beale read, “Life can be so cruel, so heartbroken.”
It comes after Danielle broke her silence last month about her imminent departure from EastEnders after filming some of her final scenes for the soap.
The actress took to Instagram to share a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped tell Lola’s story.
Danielle shared a photo of herself lying in hospital with a bandage on her head as she was comforted by her husband Jay Mitchell (Jamie Borthwick).
Alongside the photo, Danielle wrote, “Lola’s story was very hard to tell and one that means so much to me and sadly affects so many people.
Brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically only 1% of research is allocated to this devastating disease.
“I would like to take a moment for everyone who has contacted me and shared their experiences with me. I have read every message and keep all your messages close to my heart as I play this story.
‘I’ve been blessed to meet the most incredible people and work with some amazing charities along the way and I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your support, advice and love’.
Joining them in the heartbreaking scene were Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and his husband Callum (Tony Clay).
Several of Danielle’s EastEnders co-stars commented on the post, with Max Bowden writing, “Our girl. YOU helped save lives. And deliver the best performance. An absolute beacon and a superstar.
Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell, said: ‘Words can’t express how I feel about you baby…you are a masterpiece, talent, true, honest & WOW!’
Clair Norris, who stars as Bernadette Taylor, wrote, “So proud of you!”
Gurlaine Kaur Gartcha, who plays Ash Kaur, added, “You’re amazing.”
Throughout the show, Ben Mitchell’s mental health will continue to plunge to new depths as Lola drops the bombshell after learning she has months to live.
Heartbreaking: Lola will die tragically in the upcoming episodes after battling a brain tumor, and her final scenes have already been filmed
In recent episodes, Ben struggles with his ex’s prognosis, and in the next few scenes he decides to ignore his feelings by competing in a boxing match.
After some unexpected news from the police, things get even worse for Ben as he keeps bottling up his feelings.
And after sharing her prognosis with her father Billy, Lola realizes she needs to put her house in order and tells Jay she wants him to adopt her daughter Lexi.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
For information, help and support on matters related to Lola’s storyline, visit Macmillan Cancer Support or Research on brain tumors.