EastEnders’ viewers in tears as Lola’s loved ones say their last goodbyes

EastEnders fans cried as they watched Lola Pearce Brown’s family say their final goodbyes on Tuesday’s episode.

Viewers praised the soap for showing the “brutal” and “heartbreaking” reality of a terminal cancer diagnosis.

In what has been described as the “saddest ever” exit, Lola loses her battle with brain cancer on Wednesday’s show.

On Tuesday, Lola’s loved ones gathered after her nurse warned them she might have only hours to live.

Lola’s husband Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) had to break the news to her daughter Lexi that they might not have many more moments with her.

He sobbed as he said his last goodbyes at her bedside and she was startled at the sound of his voice.

Jay said, “None of this farewell talk, are you here? I’m not going anywhere Lo and neither are you, not yet please not yet.’

Honey Mitchell, meanwhile, made it her duty to release Lola’s grandfather Billy from prison after Nish filed a criminal-damage complaint.

After Nish rejected Honey’s pleas to release him so he could say goodbye to Lola, the determined Mitchell went to the businessman’s wife, Suki.

Honey blackmailed Suki, threatening to tell Nish that his wife is a lesbian if she didn’t convince her husband to retract his police statement.

Billy managed to get released and went straight to Lola.

He broke down when he said to Lola, “Hello, you look so beautiful. The state of my hands, sorry.

“How come a silly old fool like me can keep lugging around. Getting into silly scratches. But you are… I can’t break down, can I?

“Anyway, all you really need to know is how much I love you.” I love you. I’m your daddy forever. I’ll always be there for you.’

Lola managed to mumble, “I love you too,” before falling back asleep.

Viewers took to Twitter to praise EastEnders for portraying such an emotional storyline.

One wrote: ‘These last scenes with Lola the amazing @DHaroldOfficial break my heart.

“So many memories for me from when my mom passed away due to cancer.

“Amazing work by all the cast involved in this story.”

Another fan added, “Anyone else wanna cry?”, while a third viewer typed, “You really got me tonight, @bbceastenders

“They really pitched Lola’s story perfectly this week. It’s relentless in its realism, plus touching little moments that were so touching in their subtlety. I love how the community has gotten involved and how everyone is committed. #EastEnders at its best.’

“Jesus, they’re doing their best on #Eastenders right now…just great acting from everyone this week,” another soap fan wrote.

Last month, Danielle broke her silence about her impending 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 a very difficult one 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 of your support, advice and love.”

EastEnders will air on BBC One next Wednesday at 7.30pm.