EastEnders Danielle Harold recently left the BBC soap after the heartbreaking storyline of Lola Pearce who died after battling a brain tumour. Viewers were left in tears as the final episodes aired last month with the soap star now taking "time to breathe" after the emotional scenes.
Danielle, 31 who first joined EastEnders back in 2012 spoke exclusively to OK! following her character's heart-wrenching departure. Speaking at the TRIC Awards, which OK! is the official media partner for, Danielle said: "I'm just taking it all in at the moment" after saying a final goodbye to Albert Square.
She went on to add: "Obviously, I've been there for such a long time, 15 years is such a long time.
"I've not left too long ago, I've gone to award shows and stuff, so it's just been quite nice lately, I'm enjoying it."
When asked if it was hard to say goodbye to Lola, the soap star shared: "When you've played a character for so long watching them die is so difficult because you love that character.
"It sounds silly but you've just played them for so long and every little bit of you, so it was so sad when Lola died."
The 31 year old was involved in the tragic storyline for a number of months but said it was the "best way possible to leave like that.
"To know that I could have done it and it raised so much awareness for cancer and it's done so much good, so I'm just really proud to be a part of it."
Talking about any upcoming plans for the future Danielle said: "I don't think I'm going to do soaps for a bit, I would love to do some dramas or films."
Since setting foot in the iconic Albert Square back in 2011, Danielle cemented herself as a fan favourite when playing the role of no-nonsense Lola. She was the centre of some other gritty storylines from becoming a teen mum to daughter Lexi to returning to the soap to con Phil Mitchell.
Now having left the soap, Danielle said she'll miss working with the EastEnders family most of all. She said: "We're so close, everyone says it that we're like a family and we really are.
"I'm going to miss working with them, I'm going to see them all the time and I'll probably see them more but it's been nice to spend time outside of work.
"We're so close and we had such a good time, they're the best family, I love them."
After being the centre of one of the most heartbreaking storylines in EastEnders history Danielle said she's now "taking a minute to see what's going on" adding "That's what I need".
EastEnders fans are in for yet an emotional goodbye as Lola's funeral will be aired during tonight's episode.
It will be available to watch tonight on BBC One at 7.30pm.
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