EASTENDERS star Danielle Harold — who plays Lola Pearce — has been axed from the BBC1 soap.
The actress, 29, was in tears after being told her character was being killed off.
Script bosses are planning a major storyline around single mum Lola’s departure.
It is part of new boss Chris Clenshaw’s plan to shake-up the show with a number of explosive twists over the summer.
An Albert Square insider said: “Dan was in pieces. The cull came out of the blue.
“She was not expecting the chop because her character has been a firm favourite with viewers. She’ll be written out with no option to return.”
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Danielle met with bosses last week after her contract had just six months left to run.
She was expecting to discuss an extension.
The set insider added: “Danielle was teary but was told a number of the cast were being shown the door.
“No-one else has been given their marching orders yet however.
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“The rest of the cast are rallying around her.”
A source added: “She handled the news like a true pro and is eager to throw herself into the storyline.”
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Danielle played Lola in EastEnders from 2011 to 2015, before making a dramatic return in 2019.
Last night EastEnders did not comment.