Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) made dying granddaughter Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) a heartbreaking promise in Wednesday’s emotional episode of EastEnders.
Lola is weeks away from losing her battle with brain cancer after she was given just six months to live in March.
Lola woke up in hospital surrounded by her loving family after BBC viewers saw her health deteriorate in the previous episode.
She later asked Billy to help her get to the toilet where she privately reminded Billy that when he had found her in such a fragile state on the Square, he had promised not to let her life end like that.
Lola went on to ask Billy to help her die on her own terms – which is illegal in the UK – to protect Lexi from seeing her mum’s decline.
Tough: Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) made dying granddaughter Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) a heartbreaking promise in Wednesday’s emotional episode of EastEnders
Promise: Lola asked Billy to help her get to the toilet where she privately reminded Billy that when he had found her in such a fragile state on the Square, he had promised not to let her life end like that
At first he refused to agree to Lola’s wishes, and she replied that she would have to do so herself instead.
At the end of the heartbreaking episode, Billy had a change of heart, telling Lola that if dying on her own terms was what she needed, he would help her so long as she told Jay the truth.
Fans were brought to tears by the storyline, with one penning: ‘You are breaking my hear, poor Lola and Billy’
Another said: ‘Poor Billy has agreed and told Lola if that she wants an assisted death he’ll help her’
A third wrote: ‘So that’s Lola going in a few weeks… I think it was obvious she was near the end but the confirmation isn’t any less devastating.’
It comes after EastEnders’ fans were left devastated after Tuesday evening’s episode as they watched Lola Pearce’s health deteriorate.
During the episode, Kim Fox ( Tameka Empson ) organised a leaving party for Lola at the salon but the excitement became too much for Lola and she snuck out.
Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) went searching for his granddaughter, who he found confused on the floor outside the gym.
Lola broke down in tears as she begged her grandfather to help her stop Lexi from seeing her deteriorate.
Once the family arrived home, Lola started to panic when she couldn’t move her arm, while Lexi watched her mum break down.
BBC viewers were left heartbroken by the latest scenes, with one penning on Twitter: ‘Don’t mind me crying my eyes out at Lola’
Another wrote: ‘Lola losing her memory and her health declining it’s breaking my heart so much’
One said: ‘I feel like EastEnders are doing Lola’s storyline so well. It’s incredible hard to watch sometimes though’
Another added: ‘I’m actually finding it so hard to watch Lola. It’s too sad’
One fan worried: ‘Oh dear, is Billy going to help Lola end her life?’
Terminally-ill Lola ( Danielle Harold ) was given six months to live in March amid her brain tumour battle and now her passing has been lined up for future scenes.
A funeral cortege, with the hearse and flowers spelling out Lola’s name, was spotted arriving at the set of the BBC One soap last week.
A white coffin with a number of special messages from Walford icons, including Kat Slater, was written on the side.
Emotional: Lola went on to ask Billy to help her die on her own terms to protect Lexi from seeing her mum’s decline
Family: Lola woke up in hospital surrounded by her loving family after BBC viewers saw her health deteriorate in the previous episode
Fans were brought to tears by the storyline, with one penning: ‘You are breaking my hear, poor Lola and Billy’
A message written by Bobby Beale read: ‘Life can be so cruel, so heartbroken.’
It comes after last month Danielle broke her silence on her impending departure from EastEnders after she filmed some of her final scenes for the soap.
The actress took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who has helped tell Lola’s story.
Danielle shared a snap of herself as Lola lying in hospital with a bandage around her head as she was comforted by her husband Jay Mitchell (Jamie Borthwick).
Alongside the photo, Danielle wrote: ‘Lola’s story has been a very hard one to tell and one that means so much to me and sadly effects so many people.
‘Brain tumours 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 everybody that has reached out to me and shared their experiences with me, I have read every message and hold all of your messages close to my heart whilst playing this story.
‘I have been blessed to meet the most incredible people and work with some wonderful charities along the way and I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for all your support advise and love’.
Alongside them in the heartbreaking scene were Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and his husband Callum (Tony Clay).
Several of Danielle’s EastEnders co-stars commented on the post, with Max Bowden writing: ‘Our girl. YOU have helped save people’s lives. And are giving the greatest performance. An absolute beacon and a superstar.
Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell, said: ‘Words cannot express how I feel about you darling one… you are a masterpiece, talent, true, honest & WOW!’
Clair Norris, who stars as Bernadette Taylor wrote: ‘So proud of you!’
Gurlaine Kaur Gartcha, who plays Ash Kaur added: ‘You are amazing’.
On the show, Ben Mitchell’s mental health will continue to plunge to new depths as Lola drops the bombshell after learning she has months to live.
Heartbreaking: Lola is set to tragically pass away in upcoming episodes after battling a brain tumour, and her final scenes have already been filmed
Recent episodes have seen Ben struggle to cope with his ex’s prognosis, and in upcoming scenes, he decides to ignore his feelings by fighting in a boxing match.
After some unexpected news from the police, things get even worse for Ben as he continues to bottle his feelings.
And after sharing her prognosis with her father Billy, Lola realises she needs to get things in order, and tells Jay she wants him to adopt her daughter Lexi.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
For information, help and support on matters associated with Lola’s storyline, head to Macmillan Cancer Support or Brain Tumour Research.
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