EastEnders fans break down in tears as late Lola Pearce makes shock return to soap
EASTENDERS fans broke down in tears after Lola Pearce made a shock return to the soap.
The character – played exceptionally by Danielle Harold – passed away in heartbreaking scenes last month after a battle with a brain tumour.
Her death has left husband Jay, granddad Billy and her wider friends and family devastated.
In tonight’s episode, Lola’s loved ones were seen preparing for her funeral the next day, with the vicar visiting to find out what her wishes had been.
Billy (Perry Fenwick) was clearly struggling and after she left, he lashed out at Jay, Ben and Phil.
It prompted Jay to head to the pub to drown his sorrows, before Honey was seen encouraging Billy to go and see Lola in the chapel of rest at the funeral directors before it was too late.
Billy admitted he couldn’t face going, but Honey’s words helped convince him to visit and say goodbye to his beloved granddaughter.
As he entered the room, the camera angle switched and Danielle could be seen lying in the coffin as the deceased Lola.
Billy broke down as he tried to talk to her, before Jay arrived and consoled him, before speaking to his wife and giving her a final kiss before the casket was sealed.
EastEnders viewers were quick to react to unexpectedly seeing Lola for the final time, with one writing on Twitter: “So sad seeing Lola’s family grieving at her coffin before her funeral in #Eastenders! Billy’s note at the end by her coffin was so heartbreaking!”
Another added: “Perry Fenwick just broke my heart into a million pieces.”
A third tweeted a ‘crying’ emoji and said: “Wasn’t prepared to see Lola lying in that coffin there.”
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.