Danielle Harold is leaving EastEnders after playing Lola Pearce-Brown in the BBC soap for nearly 14 years.
The actress, 31, will have a devastating departure from the show this week as her character will lose her battle with terminal cancer.
Lola was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor and was given only months to live viewers are heartbroken by her recent scenes.
But why is Danielle now leaving EastEnders after appearing on the soap opera since 2011?
Ahead of her final scenes that will air on Wednesday, MailOnline looks at why the actress says goodbye to her role.
Exit: Danielle Harold leaves EastEnders after almost 14 years playing Lola Pearce-Brown (pictured) in the BBC soap
Long time favourite: But why is Danielle now leaving EastEnders after appearing on the soap opera since 2011?
Why is Danielle leaving EastEnders?
In June 2022, it was revealed that Danielle would be leaving EastEnders as her character in the tragic storyline would be written out.
At the time, a source claimed that Danielle had been left “in pieces” with the news, leaving her with no option to return due to the tragic ending.
A TV show insider told The Sun at the time, “She didn’t expect the blow because her character is a huge viewer favorite. She will be deregistered and has no option to return.’
Since then, Danielle has openly shared her anger at leaving her character behind after nearly 14 years, while Lola threatens to lose her battle with cancer.
Upon exiting the role, Danielle said, “[It has been] 14 years almost, she becomes a small part of you. I will be so sad to say goodbye to her.”
She added: “It was very important to keep to yourself – this is what I heard from the girls [while doing research]it can be portrayed very starkly, but it isn’t always.’
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw also recently revealed why they chose Lola for the soap’s tragic terminal cancer storyline.
Sad: Danielle has openly shared her anger at leaving her character behind after nearly 14 years as Lola threatens to lose her battle with cancer
According to Chris, the character had to be “loved” in order to achieve the show bosses’ goal of raising awareness for the disease.
At a press screening for Lola’s latest episode, he said discussed the enormous thought that went into their decision.
He revealed, “The end of one of our biggest storylines of the last year, and almost everyone on the show is extremely proud of the story. It is also an extremely sad time for us as we say goodbye to the incredible Danielle Harold.”
He continued, “When we first came up with the idea of telling the story, we debated for a long time, and it certainly wasn’t a decision we took lightly.
“The story was so powerful and we know from previous stories like this that when EastEnders tackles or raises awareness about an issue the impact can be huge and we all felt this was one of those stories that needed to be told.
“With the support of Brain Tumor Research and Macmillan Cancer Support, whose help and support has been invaluable to us as well as all families and especially those actually going through what Lola is, our understanding of the issue grew and we knew exactly how important was that we told this story.
“And I can tell you, from the beginning Danielle poured her heart and soul, not only into the execution but also into the detailed research.”
Loss: EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw also recently revealed why they chose Lola (pictured with Jay Mitchell) for the soap’s tragic terminal cancer storyline
Chris also said he was full of praise for Danielle portraying Lola’s devastating journey.
He added, “I find it incredibly difficult. None of us want to say goodbye to the character and none of us want to say goodbye to Danielle, but I think that’s the character that Danielle created.
“She is so loved, and you can only really tell a story like this with a character who is so loved.
“We all know how talented Danielle is. But from the beginning of this storyline, she blew everyone away.”
What are Danielle’s plans for the future?
Danielle’s first job after leaving her EastEnders role was revealed last week, according to The sun.
Danielle was tight-lipped about her next move after leaving the show, but her post-EastEnders future has now apparently been revealed.
It is rumored that Danielle will next appear on Celebrity Hunted where she will try to hide from the hunters trying to discover her location.
An insider said: ‘After filming Lola’s storyline, Danielle wants to do everything she can to raise money for the fight against cancer.
“She’ll throw herself into the show and hopefully stay hidden long enough to beat the Hunters.”
It is rumored that she will be joined by former Coronation Street star Kimberly Hart-Simpson in the celebrity edition of the Channel 4 programme.
New job: Danielle’s first job after leaving her EastEnders role turned out to be an appearance on Celebrity Hunted, according to The Sun
When will her final scenes air?
Lola’s devastating final scenes will air on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
In her penultimate episode, EastEnders fans were left in ‘pools of tears’ as Denise Fox made a poignant promise to the dying Lola.
BBC viewers were heartbroken when Denise (Diane Parish), who employed Lola at her salon, vowed to be an ‘extra aunt’ to her only daughter Lexi.
She said: ‘You’ve been a good worker to me over the years, Lo. You have real flair.
‘But more than that, enough though I’m over the hill, you’ve been a mate. So wise after your years, your tea left a little to be desired though, dear.
“I’m going to watch Lex. I know she has people, but an extra aunt can’t hurt, right?’
The scene ended with Denise kissing Lola and whispering, “Take care, honey,” leaving the viewers in tears.
Devastating: In her penultimate episode, EastEnders fans were left in ‘puddles of tears’ as Denise Fox made a poignant promise to the dying Lola
Gripping: BBC viewers were heartbroken when Denise (Diane Parish), who employed Lola at her salon, vowed to be an ‘extra aunt’ to her only daughter Lexi (pictured with Lola)
On Twitter, someone said, “Denise’s goodbye to Lola was beautiful, she said she will always take care of Lexi.”
Another wrote, “Denise broke my heart,” while a third added, “That scene with Lola and Denise broke my heart.”
A fourth wrote: “My heart breaks at these scenes.”
Denise says she’s going to be Lexi’s extra aunt. I’m a pool of tears,’ said another.