EastEnders shock exit for major character as Lola Pearce gets devastating news
EASTENDERS fans are in shock after Emma Harding quit Walford tonight.
The businesswoman – who is played by actress Patsy Kensit in the BBC soap – only arrived last month decades after walking out on her daughter Lola.
But after hearing the news her daughter has less than six months to live, Emma couldn’t cope.
And despite a pep talk from Sam Mitchell, Emma had made her decision to leave.
Heading over to Lola’s for their girly night, she lied and told her daughter: “I’m not stopping, I just came by to tell you I’ve got some news of my own.
“My boss she’s relocating to the US. She’s asked me to go with her. I know it’s a shock but listen…”
Jay was furious but Lola cut him off.
“Where you going then? Beverley Hills? La La Land?” she said.
Emma replied: “I’m sorry, I know the timing’s not great.”
But as Jay flew off the handle, it was Lola who tore into her mother.
She said: “Calm down Jay, it’s the chance of a lifetime, isn’t it? And it’s come just as things are getting tough here.
“Funny, almost seems too good to be true for me. I don’t know why I am surprised, you know. I should expect it from you, shouldn’t I? That’s your MO.
“I suppose I should be grateful that I’ve spent some time with you, eh? You didn’t just run off this time, at least you’re telling me. I don’t need your pity. If anyone needs pity around here, it’s you.
“I might be dying but at least I’ve lived. I’ve got a family, friends, a husband, love. What’ve you got, eh? I don’t know how you do it. Spending every single day alone.”
Emma tried to say she’d call and apologise, but Lola told her to get out.
“I’ll tell Lexi you said goodbye, now leave,” she added kicking her mum out for good.
EastEnders fans are in shock that Emma would abandon Lola like that.
One wrote: “Emma abandoning Lola a second time at a time like this! Typical.”
A second said: “So is that the end of Emma? What was the point of bringing her in…???”
Another added: “What a horrible thing to do Emma. But no surprise.”
A fourth said: “Have a feeling we might see Emma again later in the year after Lola dies.”