BBC soap opera EastEnders has said goodbye to a hugely popular character as Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) finally succumbed to a brain tumour. Lola’s death aired during an episode that was available on iPlayer from early Wednesday, May 31.

Fans knew they were in for a tough watch as the episode’s opening titles were blackened to commemorate Lola’s death. The episode ended with ‘Julia’s Theme’ - a softer version of the EastEnders theme tune that is usually played when a character leaves the show.

Ever since her cancer diagnosis in October, viewers have watched on as Lola’s condition has worsened. This, in turn, has had a huge impact on the character’s family - including husband Jay (Jamie Borthwick), daughter Lexi and grandad Billy (Perry Fenwick).

Read more: EastEnders viewers 'heartbroken' as BBC show prepares to kill off popular character

Lola’s last episode has been released on BBC iPlayer ahead of its evening release at 7.30pm and fans of the show have been tuning in early to say goodbye to the character. “I am a mess. But it was so beautifully put together, if you don’t clean up all the awards it will be a travesty!!!” wrote one person on social media.

The show's opening titles received a heartbreaking makeover

A second added: “Oh #EastEnders you have WRECKED ME in emotion this morning.” And a third wrote: “Just watched tonight’s Eastenders on iPlayer…. Oh it’s a rough one.”

Another person commented: “Why did I think I was stable enough to watch #EastEnders this morning?” And a further person said: “The young lady who played Lola in Eastenders needs some sort of award…. Spellbinding performance in an extremely well done story line.”

Danielle Harold has played Lola on EastEnders since 2011. Her performance in recent weeks has been well received in recent weeks with many viewers calling for her to win awards.

EastEnders is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.

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