The brain tumor that Lola Pearce, a character on “EastEnders,” has will be identified.
The BBC One soap opera’s producers have confirmed that Lola, played by actress Danielle Harold, 30, will learn she has cancer in the coming weeks.
This news is part of a storyline that will debut this fall and is centered on the journey of the hairdresser as she learns to deal with receiving a terminal diagnosis at such a young age and how it affects her friends and family.
By collaborating closely with Brain Tumour Research and Macmillan Cancer Support, both of which have expressed how “grateful” they are for the attention, the “EastEnders” writers have been giving the plot point more realism.
According to Sue Castle-Smith of Brain Tumor Research: “We are very appreciative of EastEnders’ contribution to the awareness-building effort regarding brain tumors. Sadly, thousands of families are all too familiar with Lola’s tale.
“Brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer because they strike without discrimination and can strike anyone at any age.”
Macmillan Cancer Support’s Dany Bell added: “We are thrilled to be working with EastEnders to make sure a realistic experience is being depicted on the show because stories like Lola’s are crucial for increasing awareness and can actually save viewers’ lives.
The poignant plot will demonstrate how suddenly a diagnosis can affect all facets of a person’s life and how difficult it can be. We are aware that the struggles Lola and her fictional family on EastEnders experience are currently a daily reality for many people in the UK, and Macmillan is available to provide guidance and support to anyone in need.
“Anyone watching with worries about any possible cancer signs or symptoms must also speak to their GP as soon as possible,” the statement continued.
Danielle, whose departure from Albert Square was teased earlier this year, acknowledged that being “trusted” with such a delicate story meant a lot to her.
It means a lot to be trusted with a plot like this, one that is dear to many people’s hearts, she said. It’s heartbreaking to speak with the families affected by brain tumors and hear their stories.
Sadly, many of our viewers will be able to relate to Lola’s story. I’m so fortunate to have them because they’ve been so amazing about sharing their experiences with me. Without their assistance, I couldn’t carry out this plot.
